Fruits Of The Spirit Are Good For Business Too
As someone who works in the financial services industry, I am keenly aware of the emotion, pressure, and tension that comes along with client relationships.
It is part of the job and is expected when you are entrusted with someone’s life savings and plans.
I have always let my faith guide the way in all aspects of my life, including work. However, it wasn’t until a recent conversation I had with Mike, an old-time colleague in the insurance industry, that I had heard my approach put so succinctly into words.
Like me, Mike was front and center with a client base for many years. He is mostly retired today but still participates in an insurance agent advice website he co-founded over ten years ago.
He was explaining that his approach to reader feedback and input is the same as it was during his agency days.
He said, “The fruits of the spirit are good for business.”
That simple sentence stopped me in my tracks.
I had never heard it put that way, but I couldn’t say it better.
For those of you unfamiliar with the “fruits of the spirit” the term comes from a verse in Galatians where the apostle Paul was referencing the works of the Holy Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 NAS
Just as there is no law against these “fruits”, they are also perfectly aligned with business relationships.
Each one plays a role in serving clients and colleagues in a way you would want to be treated yourself.
It is the opposite of greed. Not always the most profitable track for business in the moment, but the long term trend is favorable.
After all, who doesn’t want to do business, and refer friends, to someone that genuinely serves others interests before their own?
As it is mentioned multiple times in the Bible, the greatest of the fruits is LOVE.
Love God above all things and love others as thyself.
There is no better formula for success.
Love always wins in every aspect of our lives.
May God Bless You!
Mark
