Subsequent to the first introduction issue which looked at three (3) variables (Ethics, Family and Religion as precursors of business success), this issue delves deep into Religion as an integral part of family business success and indeed business success in general. It will be presided by Ethics and finally Family.

IS RELIGION & BUSINESS INTER-CONNECTED?

The saying “What goes around comes around,” is an old idiom that has become such a cliché. It has often been referred to as a law of destiny. Isaac Newton further buttressed these wise words by adding “to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”. Ignoring such infallible wisdom can be of grave negative consequence to any business. Since all actions have consequences, then it could be extrapolated that inactions have the same effect. If businessmen or businesswomen have no respect for the sanctity of marriage, that businessperson may be in violation of God’s character, as marriage reflects God’s oneness. Violating this institution, violates the oneness which mirrors God’s character. This may lead to loss of business prosperity (2 Chro 7:14). Your land is your business, as it is used figuratively. Not following this law of the universe “to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” will always pollute your land and lead to negative yields.

“Evil people get rich for a moment, but the rewards of the Godly last” Prov 11:18

As a businessperson managing a family business, Entrepreneur or a C Suite person of a large corporation, sweet deals are awash within our varied business landscapes. Often choosing between cutting corners, shady deals and various other forms of corruption (or all the above corruption models at once) may seem enticing or at best, faster models of “means to an end”. However, it is worth noting that greed inclines businesspeople to act impulsively with the glittering promise of more. You may get very rich this way. Your business might grow rapidly without you realizing you sliding down poverty’s slippery slope, from which there may be no return (Prov 28:2). I am confident you know a few industry captains that have been declared delinquent directors after their “glittering” but yet shady deals. Family businesses built on greed and many other forms of corruption will not last. It is wise to hinge one’s business on Religion as food obtained fraudulently may taste good, but the mouth is full of gravel! Based on various suggestions from extant and contemporaneous literature, it is safe to conclude that Religion is indeed a precursor to business success, big or small.