Chuba Yimchunger
Bengaluru
In the vibrant tapestry of Naga society, fostering businesses entrenched in unwavering integrity becomes an urgent imperative amidst rapid economic growth and transformative shifts within the business landscape. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of profit, businesses in Naga society often overlook equitable practices, disregarding fair treatment for employees, customers, suppliers, and the wider community. Understanding the intrinsic connection of business within the divine framework, it's crucial to reflect deeply on this reality. This urgency calls upon our business leaders, entrepreneurs, and emerging ventures to seek profound insights from biblical wisdom as they navigate their business endeavors. Here are several ethical principles from the Bible that should be integrated into business endeavors.
Firstly, the Bible underscores God's calling for men and women to engage in business. In the initial chapters of Genesis, work is established as an intrinsic part of human existence. Adam and Eve were tasked with tending the garden as a means to exercise dominion over creation, signifying the intrinsic value of work. Despite work being a pre-existing mandate, sin introduced challenges, making it more arduous. However, from its inception, work has been sanctified by God. Those involved in business are essentially carrying out God's work in the world, akin to the service rendered by a pastor in a church. The Bible emphasizes work not just for sustenance (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12; 1 Timothy 5:8) but also as a means to care for the less fortunate (Ephesians 4:28), support the church and its missions (1 Corinthians 16:1-3), and provide a platform for sharing one's faith.
Secondly, the Bible serves as a resounding voice advocating for integrity in business practices. Its teachings unequivocally emphasize that business should operate with honesty and refrain from exploiting others, particularly the vulnerable. Within the Mosaic Law, numerous mandates specifically address the integrity expected in business dealings. For instance, Leviticus 19:35 insists on accurate weights and measures, an essential principle in an agricultural society. Proverbs further reinforces the divine demand for integrity in business transactions (Proverbs 10:9; 11:1). Moreover, the prophets passionately urged those involved in business not to exploit the disadvantaged segments of society (Amos 2:6-7; 4:1; Micah 6:10-12). The biblical command to "act justly, love faithfulness, and walk humbly with your God" extends to business dealings, establishing a framework of justice, love, and humility that should govern commercial interactions (Micah 6:8). In the New Testament, Jesus also continued this emphasis by instructing tax collectors to collect only what was prescribed (Luke 3:12-13), urging care for the poor (Matthew 25:31-46), and teaching that legitimate business thrives when conducted with integrity (Matthew 25:14-30). Similarly, the apostles reinforced the necessity of work, condemning idleness as sinful, and highlighting the obligation of generosity toward the less fortunate as not just virtuous but imperative. These teachings underscore a holistic view of business, emphasizing the importance of integrity, diligence, and compassion within commercial activities. They establish a moral compass, guiding business practices towards ethical conduct and responsible stewardship.
Thirdly, the Bible firmly denounces greed while advocating for contentment as a virtue to be cherished. Greed remains a primary motivator behind unethical behavior in contemporary business, as it has been throughout history. The Bible unequivocally identifies greed as a vice that needs to be put away once someone comes to faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 6:10; Colossians 3:5). In stark contrast, contentment is extolled as a virtue to be nurtured (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Paul explicitly stated that it's the love of money, not mere wealth possession, that serves as the root of various evils. Historical contexts often witnessed the acquisition of wealth through exploitative means. However, the concept of financial success coupled with societal benevolence is relatively recent, emerging alongside the ascent of capitalism. This system, while fostering financial growth, inherently relies on a robust ethical foundation for its sustainable functioning.
Lastly, the teachings of the Bible serve as a cautionary tale against the pitfalls of greed and the accumulation of unjust wealth in business endeavors. Allow me to share a story that vividly illustrates this principle:
Once upon a time in a Naga village, there was a family deeply devoted to ensuring their daughter received the best education possible. To support her studies, they ran a successful liquor shop that flourished over the years. Their hard-earned profits were wisely invested in a new house and their daughter's education abroad. During breaks, the daughter would joyfully return home to spend time with her family, a common practice among the Naga community.
As fate would have it, she fell in love and married a man struggling with alcohol addiction. Despite concerns, they married, hoping for a brighter future. However, after a few years, the husband suffered from kidney failure, leaving him in dire need of expensive treatments, such as kidney transplants or dialysis. Desperate for help, the daughter turned to her father, the only person she could rely on.
Unable to bear seeing his daughter's husband suffer, the father decided to cover all the medical expenses. Despite his business success, this financial burden strained the family's resources. Sadly, despite all efforts, the son-in-law eventually passed away after a prolonged battle with illness. His wife, the daughter, was left behind with children to care for.
This unforeseen tragedy not only brought emotional turmoil but also posed significant financial challenges. The burden of supporting his daughter and grandchildren fell upon the father's shoulders, leading to setbacks in his once prosperous business. This is an imaginative tale that illustrates how the pursuit of wealth, acquired through less-than-ideal means, can unexpectedly lead to unforeseen hardships and tribulations in life.
As businesses flourishes within Naga society, let us steadfastly conduct our enterprises with integrity, guided by ethical principles, responsible stewardship, and a commitment to fostering a community where business thrives. In doing so, we aspire to earn God's favor and blessings in our entrepreneurial pursuits in our land.
