(The following was originally published at CareyGreen.com.)
In Matthew 5:5, Jesus tells us:
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Jesus teaches that we are to be “meek.” But how does that relate to the “go, go, go” / “If it’s going to be, then it’s up to me” mentality that business can often foster?
There is a principle there of “you reap what you sow”, which is true. But this principle that Jesus instructs of “blessed are the meek” just may be the secret to finding the balance between working hard and losing all perspective in your work.
How do we keep the right balance? I think a lot of it has to do with mindset, understanding what “meek” really means and how to apply it to our business practices.
Contrary to what many people think, being meek does not mean that you are a doormat. It means that you are unassuming, patient, and kind toward others. It means that you are not self-centered. This helps us, as believers in Christ, since we are Christ-followers before we are businesspeople. Therefore, keeping Jesus’ words at the forefront of our minds helps us remember that the people we interact with are more important that the projects we are working on. Our customers are more important than the growth of our business.
So, as meek individuals, we need to consider that all the profit, blessing, and success that we receive through our business endeavors will come as we live out Jesus’ commandments… including to be meek.
So, think about it: What are your attitudes at work? Are you coming across as meek? Are you being meek toward other people? Are you unassuming, patient, kind, and respectful of others? Or are you so driven that you mow people over, for the sake of “inheriting something” from God that He really wants you to be gaining in another way?
My hope is that this short encouragement will help you get that idea sorted out and you’ll see great fruit in your business as a result.