Top 15 Beliefs Business Leaders Often Have That Are Biblically Wrong
Our brains are amazing. They have yet to create a computer capable of what our brains can do. The challenge becomes deciphering if what we tell ourselves is true. Our brains do not filter the information we feed it. Thoughts, if left unchecked, become beliefs. Beliefs become the lens through which we see and experience our world. Beliefs become actions.
With that in mind, I asked myself several questions.
What if everything we have been told about business success is wrong?
What if we have core beliefs creating actions that do not truly serve us?
What if there is a better way to profitably grow your business while improving employee engagement and customer satisfaction?
At one time, I believed all the following beliefs to be true and developed strategies and tactics as if they were a foundation on which to build. I worked hard ( very hard), and several companies grew, but I kept feeling there must be a better way. (There has to be a better way!)
What we discovered speaking with CEOs, business owners, and leaders confirmed they, too, are looking for a better way.
Our team conducts many voice-of-customer interviews for our clients and our team. We were asked to interview several hundred CEOs in one of those projects. We wanted to know how they made decisions, who they went to for advice, and most importantly, what kept them up at night. ( As untrained salespeople often ask them way too often). What challenges do CEOs wrestle with? What did they foresee as challenges in the upcoming year, and what were their plans to solve them?
As you can imagine, we heard several very specific industry and channel challenges. At some point, in most conversations, CEOs shared a concern that “there was a better way of doing things, and they just were not aware of it. “
I wrote an article about the Bible being the best business book ever written. Admittedly, I was nervous about sharing my beliefs and what I found. Several leaders I have worked with believe their faith and work life should not mix. They believed what we do at work has different rules than those we were given in the Bible.
I took a step of faith and wrote and shared my article. I was pleasantly surprised by the thousands of views, shares, and personal messages thanking me for writing it. I wrote that post as I was finishing final edits on my new book, WWJD@W (What Would Jesus Do at Work): Let Jesus be your business coach.
My goal in writing my new book is to create a bridge to timeless wisdom that, if applied, can help CEOs and business leaders drive profitable explosive growth while improving employee engagement and customer satisfaction. My book is not to be a replacement for the Bible, no one could do that. Think of my book as a reference guide to find teachings to help you in Biblical passages and understand how to apply them.
I once believed everything I will share about what the world says it takes to succeed in business. However, over time, I have learned the Bible’s wisdom is much more powerful and has a much more significant impact on the lives of those you serve and your family than the conventional beliefs society tries to teach us.
This post is based on a chapter in my new book, WJD@W: Let Jesus be Your Business Coach. I hope you take the time to reflect on whether you believe some or all of these common business beliefs. I share each belief I was taught and what the Bible teaches, which is, in most cases, significantly different from old beliefs today.
In my new book, I also share common topics that business leaders discuss weekly in their meetings.
Marketing
Sales
Leadership
New Products
Writing Business plans with open hands
Having difficult conversations
Training
Negotiations
( and much more standard business topics)
If Jesus were our business coach, what would he advise us on common topics we discuss in business?
In the fast-paced and competitive business world, leaders often adopt certain beliefs to help them succeed and make decisions. However, not all these beliefs align with biblical teachings. While the Bible provides timeless principles for life, many business philosophies can conflict with a Christian worldview.
Below are 15 common beliefs business leaders, many of whom I have worked with, that they hold but are biblically wrong, along with insights on what Scripture teaches about each one.
1. Success Is All About Wealth and Power
“Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”
–Luke 12:15
The Bible teaches that success is not measured by material wealth or power but by one’s faithfulness to God. Matthew 6:19-21 encourages storing treasures in heaven, not on earth.
2. The End Justifies the Means
“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
–Proverbs 21:3
This belief encourages unethical behavior to achieve success. However, the Bible emphasizes that actions must align with righteousness, regardless of the outcome. Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”
3. Look Out for Number One
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
–Mark 10:45
This belief promotes selfishness, but Scripture calls for love and service to others. Jesus exemplified servant leadership, and Philippians 2:3 teaches, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.”
4. More Is Always Better
“The love of money is the root of all evil.”
–1 Timothy 6:10
The drive for more—whether money, possessions, or success—can lead to greed. This passage reminds us that Contentment is key to a godly life, and Philippians 4:11-12 also speaks to learning contentment in all circumstances.
5. It’s a Dog-Eat-Dog World
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.”
–Romans 12:17
This belief encourages ruthlessness, but Jesus calls His followers to a different standard. Matthew 5:39 teaches us to “turn the other cheek” and resist the urge to retaliate or act aggressively, which coincides with the above passage about not repaying evil in kind. This one was tough for me. I competed in sports, and business was my new sport.
6. It’s Just Business, Not Personal
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.”
–Proverbs 10:9
The notion that ethical principles can be separated from business is false. The Bible teaches integrity in all aspects of life, including business. Colossians 3:23 urges us to work “with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
7. You Have to Break a Few Rules to Get Ahead
“Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully.”
–Ephesians 4:25
This belief condones dishonesty or cutting corners for the sake of success, but Scripture calls for integrity. Proverbs 11:1 states…
“The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.”
8. Only the Strong Survive
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
–James 4:10
While the world often celebrates strength and dominance, God values humility and reliance on Him. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” It was another tough one, particularly when I worked for large companies. Politics, department infighting, Silos, I was taught to speak out , be one of the strong that survives. If you don’t speak out, you will be lost.
9. You Can’t Trust Anyone
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
–Proverbs 3:5-6
Distrust may be shared in the business world but breeds isolation and fear. Scripture teaches that love and trust are the foundation of relationships. 1 Corinthians 13:7 says, “Love always trusts, always hopes.”
10. Winning Is Everything
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
–Proverbs 16:3
The obsession with winning at all costs often leads to unethical behavior. Matthew 16:26 warns, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Doing what it took at that time left me feeling terrible inside. It disrupted my sleep and overall peace, but I thought those were just the prices I had to pay for success.
11. You Must Be Independent to Succeed
“Carry each other’s burdens.”
–Galatians 6:2
Business often values independence, but the Bible encourages interdependence and community. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10* says, “Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” I’ve seen it all too often where businesses want to grow but business silos get built, independent of other teams. They hit their goals, but the team fails to achieve the organization’s goals.
12. Success Equals Self-Sufficiency
“In all your ways, submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
–Proverbs 3:6
This belief promotes the idea that success comes from one’s own efforts alone, ignoring God’s provision. John 15:5 reminds us that “apart from me, you can do nothing.” This is another hard one for driven leaders, so-called self-made leaders. I hear people say…” I am a self-made man,” but rarely, if ever, is that the truth.
13. Work Defines Your Worth
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
–Psalm 139:13-14
The world often values people based on their achievements, but the Bible teaches that our worth comes from God, not our work. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us we are God’s handiwork, created for good works, but not defined by them.
I struggle with this today. As I share in my book, I am on this journey with you. What I do and the value I deliver is often how I define myself. The challenge becomes who you are when you lose your present job, sell your company or a client decides not to continue working with you.
What gives me peace is knowing God created us all for a reason. A reason to serve others. We do not have to rely on our wisdom, strength, courage etc, but his! The Bible is very clear on who God says we are, but so many people have not read it or know how to apply it.
14. Success Is Based on Luck
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord… plans to give you hope and a future.”
–Jeremiah 29:11
Many business leaders believe that success depends on being in the right place at the right time. However, Scripture teaches that God is sovereign over all outcomes. Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”
What if it feels like luck, but it is actually you following the plans God had for you before you were born?
15. Time Is Money
“Be still and know that I am God.”
–Psalm 46:10
While this phrase encourages efficiency, it can devalue relationships and rest. The Bible teaches the importance of Sabbath and rest, placing people and God’s creation above relentless productivity. Mark 2:27 reminds us, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
Many of the beliefs that dominate the business world today stand in stark contrast to biblical principles. Christian business leaders must align their actions, decisions, and mindsets with Scripture, even when they go against the grain of standard business practices. In doing so, we honor God and create a lasting legacy of integrity and service. By replacing worldly beliefs with biblical truth, business leaders can find true success—one that pleases God and positively impacts others.
In my new book, I share chapters on common business topics, explain what the Bible passages say, and explain how to apply each passage in your business. I also offer reflection questions for you and your team to discuss.
As I shared above, I was once a hard-working business leader who was successful according to the world’s definition of success. However, I found I was never happy or content. I tried filling that empty place with more training, sales, seminars, consultants, coaches, books, and workshops.
As I shared in my book Driving Explosive Growth, I have helped companies quickly grow sales and profits for over 35 years. It was not enough even when we doubled one company’s revenue in 18 months to $36 million. Or when we took a small company stuck at $14 million and sold it for $90 million six years later, I still felt empty inside. Is that all there is? I tried to fill that empty part of me with bigger homes, vacation homes, expensive cars, and extravagant vacations…but nothing seemed to work until I opened the Bible.
I hope my book finds business leaders searching ( often in the wrong and dangerous places) for a better, more thoughtful way to lead and grow their organizations. For leaders desiring to fill that empty place in their chest once and for all.
If you would like to discuss how to use the wisdom of the Bible to grow your business, improve profits, increase employee engagement, and increase customer satisfaction, don’t hesitate to contact me.