The Bible's Business PlanNäide

“Then Jacob made this vow: 'If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the LORD will certainly be my God. And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.'” Genesis 28:20–22 NLT

BUSINESS BIBLE

Jacob is a third-genera­tion patriarch and businessman. Jacob begins his career with a promise to tithe—give 10 percent of everything he earns to God. During Jacob’s travels, he agrees to work for Laban and negoti­ates a seven-year contract with a fair wage. Despite Laban’s unfair business prac­tice of changing his wages ten times, Jacob is successful and creates great wealth.

Jacob is not satisfied working as a hired worker and expresses an interest in doing business on his own. Laban recognizes the value Jacob brings to his business and asks him to name his wages. In lieu of wages, he negoti­ates to take ownership of a portion of Laban’s livestock. With stock of his own and work experience, he acquires large flocks, camels, donkeys, and servants and becomes exceedingly prosperous and returns home to Ca­naan with Rachel, Leah, and all their wealth of possessions (31:14–18).

Jacob demonstrates the value of tithing, earning wages as an employee, and the im­portance of capital participation for creating wealth in God’s Economy.

PRAY

Lord, be with me and I will give you a tenth.