Business by the Book: Complete Guide of Biblical Principles for the Workplace

In a world where the current business ideology seems to be about maximizing short term profits, climbing over others, and getting the maximum return possible with the minimal effort or investment Larry Burkett draws a sharp contrast. Using referenced Biblical principles throughout the book Mr. Burkett outlines what it means to run a business by God's standards. This does not mean becoming a non-profit or lossing money - but it does mean completely changing the way we view the business, our employees and customers, and our role as business leaders. The principles laid out are challenging and often contrary to the advice you are used to hearing. I found it to be an extremely useful and informative resource that helped me to see how I could not only run a business successfully, but also not sacrifice my concience or ideals. One of the primary tenents of this book is that we are stewards of the resources God gave us, meaning that the money we have and the business we may own ultimately belong to God, not us, and he has entrusted us with them to use in a manner he would approve of. If you are comfortable with this premise I believe you will enjoy the book and find it challenging. If you are not comfortable with this premise you will probably have difficulty accepting the concepts he has outlined.

Business By the Book is an excellent reference not only for the self-employed, but anyone engaged in business. The book is divided into 3 main sections: Conducting Business by the Bible, Critical Policy Decisions, and Your Business and Your Life. Some of the more helpful chapters for me were: 1. Personal Lifestyle Goals. 2. Biblical Business Goals. 3. Your Business and Your Spouse. 4. Hiring and Firing Decisions. 5. Management Selection Decisions. 6. Business Tithing. 7. Retirement. 8. Implementing God's Plan. Whether self-employed, a manager, church or ministry staff person, or engaged in business, you will benefit from Burkett's sound biblical wisdom. Highly recommended!

Although it is written from a Biblical perspective, EVERY self employed person needs to read this book. It is packed with common sense business principles which, in this world-gone-mad with secular humanism, most of us have lost sight of. It doesn't matter what your faith is... even an athiest would greatly benefit from the business principles taught in this book. It turned my little mom-and-pop business, and my life, around to the direction it should have taken in the first place.

This book is so good that I give away 10-20 of them a month. I set people up in business and I send it to all my new dealers. Read it and you will know how GOD wants you to run HIS business.

As a christian I am thankful for God's guidance in all areas of my life through the Bible. Larry Burkett addresses areas of business that most christians "go with the flow" of what the world says is o.k. Integrity is hard to find in the workplace - even in business owned by christians. The testimonials in this book are thought provoking, inspiring as well as encouraging to do it God's way. As a small business steward (God owns it all) I am faced with opportunities to compromise God's will. Some days I don't do so good. It's great to know I'm not the only one struggling. It's even more encouraging to read of success - success the way God views success.Thank you and God bless.