Loving God and People in Business

By Jesse Hardy, Principal and Founder, Purpose & Principle Driven

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Let’s face it: the business world isn’t always a kind and gentle playground. It’s often deadlines, spreadsheets, board meetings, and the occasional dose of caffeine-fueled chaos.

For many professionals, it’s a place where success is measured in dollar signs and corner offices. But what if there’s a higher purpose in the grind? What if your work – yes, even the emails and meetings – could align with the greatest mission of all?

Jesus laid it out plainly in Mark 12:28-34 when a scribe asked Him, “Which commandment is the foremost of all?” Jesus replied:

“The foremost is, ‘Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Two commandments: Love God and Love People. That’s it, my friend. In another account, Jesus adds, “Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets” (NASB, Matthew 22:40). That’s to say that everything in that big collection of God stories we call The Bible is summed up in four simple words: Love God and people.

Now, if you’re looking for a business strategy that doesn’t just work but changes lives, this is it. So, how do we bring these timeless truths into the modern workplace?

Let’s roll up our sleeves and dig in.

Loving God in the Workplace: Making Mondays Holy

When you think about loving God in your job, you might imagine preaching in the breakroom or handing out Bibles at the quarterly sales meeting. No, that’s not what we’re talking about. Loving God in business is more subtle, yet it’s seismic with its impact on life change.

1. Show Up with Purpose

Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” That doesn’t mean God will micromanage your calendar or ensure your quarterly projections hit the mark. It does mean your work should be more than a paycheck – an offering – part of the worship Paul talks about in Romans 12:1-2.

Whether designing skyscrapers, answering phones or running a Fortune 500 company, how about starting your day by handing it over to Him by asking, “What can I do today that reflects You?”

That’s the most fundamental essence of worship.

2. Do the Job, and Do It Well

Mike Rowe, that gravel-voiced champion of hard work, has often said, “Happiness doesn’t come from a job; it comes from knowing you’ve done it well.” The Bible agrees. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people.”

When you tackle a task with diligence and excellence, you’re not just building a product or service but a testimony. Your work ethic becomes a chapter of the only Bible most people will ever read – a chapter titled, “God deserves my best.”

3. Keep God in the Driver’s Seat

The world loves to tell us we’re the masters of our fate and the captains of our souls. It’s popular and catchy, but it’s wrong. James 1:5 offers a better way: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach.”

Whether you’re navigating a tricky merger or trying to mediate office drama, don’t rely on gut instinct alone. Turn to God for guidance, and let His wisdom be your compass.

Loving People: Relationships Over Revenue

The second commandment is where things get gritty. Loving people sounds great until you remember people can be, well… people. They sometimes mess things up. They can be demanding. They might cut you off in traffic and forget to CC you on emails. But Jesus didn’t put an asterisk on this commandment, nor should we.

1. Lead by Serving

If you’re in charge of people, you’ve got power. But power isn’t a privilege – it’s a responsibility. Jesus said in Matthew 20:26, “Whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant.”

Think about that.

Being the boss isn’t about barking orders or collecting accolades. It’s about rolling up your sleeves and asking, How can I improve my team’s lives? Maybe that’s mentoring a young employee, advocating for fair pay, or just saying thank you for a job well done.

2. Put People First

Have you ever felt like just a number on a spreadsheet? It’s not a great feeling. Loving your neighbor means seeing every coworker, client, and competitor as more than a transaction. They’re human beings, made in God’s image, with hopes, struggles, and stories.

Do you have time to discover those?

When negotiating a deal, don’t just focus on the win – focus on the relationship. When a team member messes up, lead with grace before correction. It’s these small acts of kindness that leave lasting impressions.

3. Shine a Light

Jesus calls us to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). That doesn’t mean you need to plaster Bible verses all over the office or hand out sermon notes at the coffee machine. It does mean you should live in a way that makes people wonder what’s different about you.

Show patience when everyone else is stressed. Offer encouragement when morale is low. Be the calm in the storm, the steady hand that reminds people there’s a better way.

Why It Matters

When you love God and love people, your workplace becomes more than a job site – it becomes a mission field. You’re not just crunching numbers or building widgets – you’re building the Kingdom.

Here’s what happens when you bring God’s purposes into business:

●???? You’ll Find Fulfillment: Suddenly, work isn’t just about hitting goals – it’s about making an impact.

●???? You’ll Build Trust: People will notice and be drawn to your integrity.

●???? You’ll Inspire Others: Your faith, lived out authentically, will encourage others to think about their own purpose.

Wrapping It Up

Paul Harvey used to end his stories with, “And now you know the rest of the story.” Here’s the rest of yours: you’re not just a business professional – you’re God’s ambassador.

Your work matters – not just to your boss or your shareholders but to the Creator of the universe.

So tomorrow morning, when you head into the office, remember Jesus’ words: Love God. Love people.

It’s not just good advice – it’s a mission – it’s the Great Commission in action.

And it’s something worth showing up for.

You can reach Jesse at [email protected].

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