The 21st century has seen a period of intense turmoil for the world of big business. We have seen what appears to be an endless parade of high profile corporations collapsing as a result of scandal, greed and abuse of power. Time after time, corporations that were seen as leaders in their industries, that proclaimed their commitment to doing things right, have been exposed by complicated schemes of fraud.

The world of business in the new millennium seems to be characterized by greed and abuse of power by a few at the expense of many. Is big business becoming a force for evil in our society? Or is business still a good idea, allowing people to work together toward a common goal leading to greater benefits for society overall?

Position Power vs Personal Power
The leading business schools and universities all over the world are teaching courses that deal with power in business. Power is a fundamental ingredient in any successful business. Business, by its very nature, requires leaders that develop and exercise power in order to achieve a common goal. The bigger the organization or the greater the objective, the more people that need to work together, the more power needs to be exerted in order to accomplish the goal.

In broad terms, power comes from two sources: from position in an organization or from personal character. Power from position, or “legitimate” power, comes from the ability to provide rewards and punishment, the ability to control information or accomplish something important. Specific forms of position power include:
• Reward power―the ability to provide incentives such as bonuses, salary increases or promotions in exchange for compliance
• Coercive power―the ability to punish or intimidate
• Information power―specific knowledge or information is currency that can be exchanged to achieve a goal
• Function power―in today's complex world, individuals who are able to perform unique or specialized functions are able to use that ability to their own purpose

Power from personal character is not dependent on any specific position or function, but rather comes from internal sources and creates power than can be applied more broadly and inside or outside of formal organizations. These types of power include:
• Likeability―people who are attractive and enjoyable to be around are more likely to be able to ask for favours or influence people
• Charisma―is hard to define and has multiple meanings, but generally is applied to describe people who have the ability to energize and motivate those around them
• Persuasion―the ability to convince others through intellectual reasoning or creative negotiating
• Credibility―is an important source or personal power, resulting from a combination of competence and integrity

We all profit from the work of successful businesses. It is the collective effort of thousands of employees working together for a common goal that allows us to enjoy so many benefits in this modern age. Leaders need power to lead and to succeed and we are willing to give power to those leaders in return for the opportunity to work together to achieve things we could never achieve on our own.

The powerful influence of people speaking up for what is right will change any business or organization

Unfortunately, the problem with powerful leaders is that they are human beings and, like all human beings, are flawed. Although power is an important element of all successful business, it is almost inevitable that power will lead, from time to time, to abuse.

I believe business is generally a good thing. We were created to work hard and to work together. God will continue to bring out good leaders who are able to use their power wisely and ethically to do good things for their employees, customers and owners.

But I am also a realist. There will always be those who abuse their power and who are motivated by greed. As much as I wish that all businesses could be run ethically and that all abuse of power could be stopped; as much as I wish that Enron and WorldCom could be the last big bankruptcies ever caused by fraud and corruption, I am afraid that will not the case.

Here is a quote from one of America's great leaders: “Old truths have been relearned; untruths have been unlearned. We have always known that heedless self-interest was bad morals; we know now that it is bad economics. Out of the collapse of a prosperity whose builders boasted their practicality has come the conviction that in the long run economic morality pays.” Wouldn't it be great if, as a society, we had learned that lesson once and for all? Unfortunately I don't think we have. This isn't a modern quote explaining the lessons of Enron and Worldcom. It is from Franklin Roosevelt after the abuses and turmoil in the financial markets in the late 20s and 30s. History repeats.

The Church and Business
As Christians, we can, and we must, bring a unique perspective to business―God's perspective. We have the advantage of having God's Word to help us and God's Spirit to guide us in our dealings with business.
Here are five thoughts on how, as individuals or collectively as a Church, we can apply a different perspective to the world of business.

1. Remember that God is ultimately in control. As we see the battle for power and money played out in the world of business, there are times when it is easy to see only the problems. God's perspective is global and eternal and, fortunately for us, he does not leave us, or our businesses, to our own devices. 1 Samuel 2: 7-8 tells us: “The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honour. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord's; upon them he has set the world.”

Corporations that were seen as leaders in their industries have been exposed by complicated schemes of fraud

2. Enjoy the work you have been given, whatever it may be. The opportunity to work, whether in a small company, in big business, as a volunteer or in some other form of service is a gift from God. Every aspect of our day-to-day lives can and should be an act of worship to God our Creator. The trials of daily work give plenty of opportunities to demonstrate worship in action. The message is clear in Ecclesiastes 5:19: “Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work―this is a gift of God.”

3. Watch out for greed in your own life. Remember that we are just migrant workers here on earth; we will soon be heading to our permanent home. We are all human and susceptible to the same temptations. It's easy to allow some small cracks in our standards, but all earthly pleasures will soon pass away. I try to remember the message in 1 Peter 1:17: “Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.”

4. Speak up for what is right and be a voice for integrity and fairness. While we should understand that God is ultimately in control, we as Christians and as a Church have a responsibility. The powerful influence of people speaking up for what is right will change any business or organization. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth. A little bit of salt can go a long way. We all need to ask God for wisdom and strength when we need to stand up for what is right.

5. If you are given a position of power, handle with prayer. I find it interesting and revealing that the first two verses of Colossians 4 flow in the order that they do. Those verses read: “Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in Heaven. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” What better advice could there be for those in positions of leadership in the business world today?

The business world is fraught with problems and difficulties, but ultimately God is in control. If we approach our role and dealings in business with prayer and with thankfulness, we can be sure that God will guide us.