Many principles used in business today can be traced back to the Bible. Though subtle, often paraphrased, and even quoted in part, biblical principles play a valuable role in both society and the workplace today. Certainly, there are legal and ethical grounds for not mixing work and religion. While some believe that “religion” in any form has no place in a briefcase, much less in the boardroom, others find success by incorporating biblical principles personally and professionally.

Founder and CEO of World Wide Technology, david stewart, is a living testimony to the success found in applying biblical principles in the workplace. Both the company and the owner have amassed an extensive list of accolades over a fifteen year period. World Wide accolades include the fastest growing company in the St. Louis region, the largest African-American company in the world, and “Company of the Year” (Black Enterprise 1999). author of Doing Business by the Good BookSteward’s personal accolades include, “Entrepreneur of the Year” in technology (Ernst & Young, 1998) and “SBA Business Person of the Year” (1997).

According to Steward, the foundation of a business is “trust, integrity, [and] faith in others, teamwork…” These basic principles are also biblical. In addition to using faith, success in business involves defining a purpose. Steward believes that the primary purpose of a business is to serve others. How companies serve others can be seen in the result. “At the end of the day,” Steward says, “people do business with people they like and trust.” If a company’s core values ​​are correct, selfless, and service-oriented, “profits will come…”.

Naysayers argues that religion in the workplace biblical or otherwise hampers workflow and job performance. For example, praying before meetings diverts attention from the purpose of the work, as does Bible study and “testimony.” Therefore, incorporating biblical principles is not a necessary part of doing business.

To Christian and President of Ferguson Media, Andrea Ferguson, would not easily apply biblical principles in the workplace in the same way that it is openly expressed in a church or synagogue. “I don’t think it’s necessary to impart my religious beliefs to others or quote the Bible in the workplace and in meetings,” Ferguson said. “Rather, I incorporate my belief system to help me through the day, when making decisions, dealing with others, or even getting new business.”

While the marketing and public relations firm executive says her “belief system” is what makes her stand out, Ferguson acknowledges that biblical principles can “provide a solid foundation for how to deal with any type of situation, client or Project”. Ferguson also believes that the Bible has the ultimate formula for success.

Is there a meaningful way to use biblical principles in the workplace? President and CEO of Four-D College, Linda Smith uses biblical principles to “[manage] Four-D…and addressing issues with staff, faculty, people in the community, or business partners.” Although the application of biblical principles is a normal part of the workday, the emphasis in Four-D is to show students how to treat people. Like Steward, Smith has a collection of accolades that speak to her success. Established in 1992, Four-D thrives under Smith’s leadership and commitment to being led by God.

Since the application of biblical principles in any field tends to depend on faith, business owners like Joseph Twanda Wide provide balance. WiseEffects’ consultant, trainer and talk show host believes that being a Christian and implementing business principles are inseparable. “You cannot separate a true person of faith from his faith.” Jose says. “When you make a person of faith feel like they have to leave a big part of themselves out when they come to work, you end up with employees who are only ‘half’ at their job… They operate on double standards and compromise their true character just to fit into the corporate environment.

Realizing that it is difficult to distinguish a person from their faith, Joseph argues that a company would be better served if employees were allowed to “focus on being a person of character and integrity in the workplace and beyond.”

Rules for leaders In relation to the workplace, employers and employees consciously or unconsciously integrate biblical principles with business practices. Most of the time people exhibit character, integrity, loyalty, respect, discretion, philanthropy, and ethics as a matter of personal practice. Less often is what people attribute most to the Bible: prayer, scripture reading, direct references or acknowledgment of God, Jesus, or even proselytizing. Rare applications include actions that would normally occur during a religious service or event.

Labeled as such or not, Bible-based principles can be actively applied in the workplace within reason. Private companies can initiate or even support religious practices in the workplace. However, Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 prohibits private companies from:

-Require participation in religious events/activities

-Employ, compensate or promote based on religious beliefs

-Hiring, promoting, or firing based on an employee’s preference not to participate in a religious event/activity

– Proselytize in an invasive, coercive or harassing way

With few exceptions, churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations can preserve their core mission. Otherwise, making religious practices optional will help private companies stay within legal guidelines.