Business Tips from a Christian Worldview

Right Culture

Gerald R. Chester, Ph.D.

His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. —2 Peter 1:3 (CSB)

In a created universe, the only person who has the ultimate authority to define right is the transcendent Creator. A Christian worldview posits that the triune God of the Bible is the Creator who most profoundly defines right through Scripture. Furthermore, given that everything emanates from the Creator, God’s definitions encompass all reality—individuals, family, church, education, economics, public policy, and ethics. Therefore, mankind is not the ultimate definer of what is right in any context of reality. Rather, mankind is to discern and obey the Creator’s definition of right in every aspect of reality.

Applying this transcendent truth to organizational behavior intimates that Scripture defines the right value systems that organizations should embrace. Organizations should develop principles and practices from these values.

Right organizational culture is scriptural values and principles expressed through formal and informal practices because the only right culture is a biblically congruent culture.

As an example of how right organizational culture can be scripturally developed, consider the Christian values from 2 Peter 1:5–7 listed in the table below. The table flows from left to right and provides illustrations of principles and practices as corollaries of the values rooted in Christian theology and philosophy. (The definitions of the column headings are at the bottom of the table.)

Following the pattern of this template, one could use other Scripture to identify other Christian values and develop associated principles and practices. For example, consider texts, such as Galatians 5:22–23, 1 Thessalonians 5:15–22, and Colossians 3.

The Scripture is rife with Christian values that will enable organizational leaders to develop robust, sound, God-honoring practices. Indeed, as Peter stated in the above Scripture, God gives us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of him. This means that everything organizational leaders need to align their organizations with a Christian worldview can be found in Scripture.

Here is your business tip. Practices congruent with a Christian worldview will contribute to the development of a right culture. One of the priorities of sound leadership and management is to build an organizational culture that reflects sound Christian theology and philosophy. Accordingly, Scripture must be employed to define the core values of the organization. This will provide a basis for sound principles and practices that will produce excellent results. Organizations that commit to being so grounded will have the right culture, that is, a culture congruent with the ways of Christ who is the Creator, sustainer, and purpose for all reality. 

Teaching: Right Culture

Seminar: Strategic Life Alignment

Previews of Teaching