Christian Values vs Business Success

As I sit down to write this today, I can't help but feel a sense of urgency to address something that's been weighing heavily on my heart—balancing our Christian values with the pursuit of business success.

I rarely share testimonials that I receive… I probably should share them more often. This out-of-the-blue message from a client and friend meant a lot to me.

"As we go through experiences, I believe we get to really see the hearts of leaders in business, like yourself and other coaches. The level of integrity you hold is by far almost untouchable. The decisions I've seen you make in your business, the compassion you've had for others, even at the level you're at, is incredible."

She went on to share that this was top of mind for her because some of her other mentors had let her down regarding their integrity and leadership.

Her words made me pause and think: How do we navigate this delicate balance between honoring our Christian values and striving for success in our businesses?

Many people think there is a conflict between the two. I disagree. I believe, in the long run, we will earn more and have greater success because of our strong values and because we’ve built our businesses the right way.

And if I’m wrong about that, I don’t want to be right…

Here are 6 tips for running a successful business, while honoring your values:

1. Integrity Over Everything: Make integrity your guiding light in every decision, interaction, and transaction. As Christian entrepreneurs, our commitment to honesty and righteousness should shine through in every aspect of our business.

2. Compassion in Action: Just as Jesus showed boundless compassion to those around Him, let's embody that same spirit of compassion in our businesses. Whether it's extending grace to a struggling client or going the extra mile to support a colleague, let's lead with love and kindness. 

3. Honoring Commitments: While contracts have their place, let's prioritize honoring our agreements with others out of genuine respect and care. Sometimes, showing understanding and flexibility can make all the difference in building trust and fostering long-term relationships.  

4. Transparent Pricing: Commit to honesty in your pricing strategies, avoiding deceptive tactics that compromise our integrity. Transparency builds trust and credibility, laying the foundation for sustainable success. 

5. Generosity as a Business Principle: As stewards of God's blessings, embrace a culture of generosity within our businesses. Whether it's offering unexpected gifts to clients or supporting those in need within our communities, let's let love be our guiding principle.  

6. Striving for Win-Win Solutions: In every business deal and negotiation, seek win-win outcomes where everyone involved can benefit. By prioritizing mutual success, we not only strengthen our businesses but also foster a culture of collaboration and goodwill.  

Remember that success is not just about financial gains but also about the impact we make and the lives we touch.

We are successful when we learn how to balance both and strive to lead with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to honoring God in all that we do.