The Bible is one of the most important books in the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re religious or not; the impact it has had across the world makes it as much a historical document as a spiritual one. It even has some fringe benefits most people don’t know about. For example, there are a lot of lessons from the Bible that apply to entrepreneurship. Here are 10 things from the Bible that you can apply to work.
1. Control Your Emotions
Galations 5:23: Gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Even though you certainly need to be tough in the business world, the Bible isn’t wrong that you need to be gentle, too. Don’t be prone to anger or you’ll be equally prone to turn off clients and co-workers. Self-control is a key to success in the workplace and pretty much everywhere else.
2. Don’t Get Too Cocky
Proverbs 16:18: Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
People in positions of power are in danger of letting that power get to their heads. The Bible teaches us that such pride will only lead to an eventual, inevitable downfall.
3. Don’t Dread Obstacles
James 1:2: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.
Obstacles shouldn’t be feared, they should be anticipated. They’ll make you stronger and improve your life.
4. Hard Work Pays Off
Hebrews 12:11: No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
If it were easy, anybody would be doing it. You get skilled in your field and far in your career through hard work. The Bible reminds you that it will all be rewarded in the end.
5. Don’t Keep Waiting For The Right Moment
Ecclesiastes 11:4: He who observes the wind [and waits for all conditions to be favorable] will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.
If you never take the leap to shift career paths or strike out on your own, you’ll certainly never soar. When you’re prepared and feel ready for the next step, don’t hesitate to take big strides.
6. Stay Mentally Fit
Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
If you don’t constantly test yourself and keep yourself engaged, you’ll fall behind all the people who want what you have or fall further behind those who have what you want. The Bible recognizes the importance of self-improvement; you should, too.
7. Don’t Get Involved In Shady Deals
John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Don’t resort to nasty tactics to get what you want. Do what Jesus would do and did do in the Bible: play by the rulebook.
8. Do What You Need To To Win
I Corinthians 9:24 NIV: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
While playing within the realm of legality and decency, you should be willing to take big chances so you can reap huge rewards.
9. Have People Around You That You Can Trust
Proverbs 11:14: Without the guidance of good leaders a nation falls. But many good advisers can save it.
If you’re only surrounded by sycophants, you’ll never get the feedback and criticism you need when you inevitably make mistakes. The Bible recognizes the uselessness and even danger of yes-men. Be brave enough to have successful people around you who will help guide you forward.
10. Have Courage
2 Timothy 1:7: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Courage is everything, whether you’re running a business or working for one. Be powerful in your convictions, in love with your work and extremely self-disciplined to get further in your career. The Bible teaches you that, among other things, we have a lot of potential. Don’t squander it.
Featured photo credit: Bill Bradford via flickr.com
