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  • Five Steps To Fruitful Networking

    Five Steps To Fruitful Networking

    Recently, a young banker told me that he had been hired to get involved in the community by networking – making connections with prospective customers. But he was not sure how to do this. So, I thought it might be helpful to consider successful strategies for networking, along with relevant biblical principles.  

    The first step to remember in networking is Being Targeted. Many networking groups and opportunities can be a waste of time because they are not focused properly. I found my best customers in banking were chief financial officers and controllers. As a former certified public accountant, joining an association for accounting professionals helped me target the best prospects and resulted in many new accounts. 

    Proverbs 12:26 teaches, “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” To be fruitful with your networking time, choose your groups and friends wisely. 

    When it comes to networking, there are many groups we could join, but the best results typically come from the second step to fruitful networking: Getting Involved. Networking groups, service clubs, and other community-minded groups need leadership. People willing to become actively involved typically get noticed. When you become involved, the attention you receive can lead to new business opportunities. By serving in a leadership role, you will become better known, and if you serve well, better trusted. 

    In 1 Timothy 3:13 we are told, “Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” To maximize time spent networking, take a leadership role. 

    The third step to fruitful networking is Being Relational. If you have engaged in many networking opportunities, you have likely met people who are more transactional in nature. They are always giving business cards to anyone who will take one and seeking ways to promote their services. However, you will not typically see them talking with someone in depth to build a genuine relationship. 

    We all typically prefer doing business with people we know and trust. The best way to build that trust is by building personal relationships. Proverbs 22:11 says, “One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”

    The fourth step is Being Curious. My very sociable wife, Kathy, has helped me in this area. She is naturally curious about people, always asking questions to learn more about them. Kathy has taught me to find out about other people’s families, hobbies and work, but not to stop there. She also taught me to be curious about what motivates them, seeking to discover their passions. Hebrews 13:2 teaches, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” 

    The final step for successful networking is Meeting the Needs of Others. Everyone has needs but identifying those requires seeking to understand people and listening carefully for their biggest concerns. Ephesians 4:29 teaches, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” After listening and learning about the needs of others, then do what you can to serve their needs.

    © 2025, Unconventional Business Network. Adapted with permission from “UBN Integrity Moments”, a commentary on faith at work issues. Visit www.unconventionalbusiness.org. UBN is a faith at work ministry serving the international small business community.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. How important is networking for the work you do? Is it something you enjoy – or is it something you would rather avoid? Explain your answer.
    2. When you are trying to make connections with people for business or career purposes, how effective are you in targeting the types of people you want to meet?
    3. How easy is it for you to get involved with groups or organizations, ones in which you have particular interest? What are some obstacles that keep you from becoming more involved as an active participant? 
    4. Two of the networking steps cited are being curious and meeting the needs of others. How might these two be tied together in fruitful, rewarding ways? 

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages:  Proverbs 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Matthew 22:37-40; John 13:34-35; Philippians 2:3-4

    Challenge for This Week
    Networking – actively seeking to build productive relationships with others – can prove to be beneficial in many ways. Even if you are not as sociable as some other people, we all have been designed by God for relationships.

    This week try to think of ways you can expand your sphere of influence and expand the network of people with whom you interact regularly. If you know of someone who is better at this than you are, ask that person for some helpful advice and suggestions.

    Matt Trayler

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  • Having Clear Values Simplifies Decision-Making

    Having Clear Values Simplifies Decision-Making

    What influences your decision-making? Is it determining how to maximize gains and minimize losses? Is it expedience, choosing what seems most advantageous for yourself, or for your company or organization? Is it based on appearances – what will present you in the best light to those important to you? 

    In my years of working with executives and corporate leaders, I found many had at least one document that served as a rudder for guiding their companies. Most had a “mission statement” which articulated what they did – their purpose for existing. Some also had a “vision statement” that expressed where they saw themselves going. Perhaps most revealing of all was a “values statement” that stated underlying principles and values to undergird not only what they did but also how they would do it – and why.

    Roy Disney was the brother of the late Walt Disney, the creative genius whose vision ultimately led to the multi-billion-dollar entertainment conglomerate of films, cartoons, TV shows and dazzling theme parks. As co-founder of the Walt Disney Company, Roy Disney stated, “When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” To put it another way, in making decisions, pre-determined values should not only direct present and future operations but also serve to eliminate options and enticements that do not align with those values.

    This sounds good, but how does articulating the values an individual or company embraces affect actions and decision-making in a practical sense? Values may differ from one person to another, or from one business to the next, but for people who seek to integrate their faith with the work they do every day, one trusted guide should be the Bible – the Word of God. For example:

    For establishing priorities. Jesus Christ was asked, “‘What is the greatest commandment…?’” He replied, ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments’” (Matthew 22:36-40). 

    Considering what Jesus declared, how should our business practices reflect these two all-encompassing commands? How should an organization be operated to demonstrate love of God is first and foremost? And how should customers – employees, suppliers, buying customers and clients – be treated to show that we love them as we love ourselves?

    For governing behavior. The Ten Commandments, stated twice in the Old Testament (Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21), itemize specific ways for loving and honoring God as well as interacting with other people in a godly manner. They speak of worship, avoiding idolatry, proper speech, avoiding overwork, reverence for parents, and prohibitions against such things as murder, sexual immorality, theft, dishonesty, and jealously desiring what other people have.

    For valuing what God values. What does a godly business or professional person look like? One answer is to value what the Lord values, as stated in Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Doing this may be harder than it sounds, but these summarize what He values.

    © 2025. Robert J. Tamasy has written Marketplace Ambassadors: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, coauthored with Ken Johnson; and The Heart of Mentoring, coauthored with David A. Stoddard. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. As you understand it, what is the difference between a mission statement, a vision statement, and a values statement? Does your company or organization have one or more of these? If so, how are they used – if at all? 
    2. Have you ever sat down to articulate your personal values, those principles that guide and govern your own actions and decisions? What do you consider to be the values that are honored where you work?
    3. Is it reasonable to think the greatest and second greatest commandments can be consistently observed and obeyed in the marketplace of the 21st century? Why or why not?
    4. How do you think today’s workplace would look different if everyone strived to align with the 10 commandments in their daily decisions and operations? What if the command to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” were widely applied in work settings?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Hosea 6:6; Zechariah 7:9-10; Proverbs 21:3; Matthew 6:19-21,33-34, 23:23

    Challenge for This Week
    Try to take some time this week and think about values – your own and those of the company or organization you lead or work for. Can you clearly state what those values are? If not, try writing them down. Then evaluate how well you and your company are living out those values.

    You might find it beneficial to discuss this with key leaders or employees. A mentor or trusted advisor might also prove helpful in clarifying important values and how they can and should be demonstrated through your life and work.

    Matt Trayler

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  • Establishing A God-Honoring Business

    Establishing A God-Honoring Business

    Every individual entering the marketplace possesses certain skills and abilities bestowed by God, enabling them to establish a foothold in a competitive environment. However, when everything is going well, it is easy to become self-assured, even prideful, and gradually drift away from God. This is akin to Lot in the Bible’s Old Testament, gradually moving his tent toward the sinful city of Sodom, ultimately leading to his downfall.

    When facing difficulties in business, we have two choices: to rely solely on people, or to depend on the Almighty God. Jeremiah 17:5-8 describes the different outcomes of these choices: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord… But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream…and never fails to bear fruit.”

    In 1972, shortly after my company was established, Everlight Chemical was confronted with the global oil crisis, putting the business in a difficult position. At that time, some people suggested that we appoint a legislator as our company’s chairman to secure support from banks for financing. I had to choose between relying on people and trusting in God, and chose to rely on God’s guidance and provision.

    When I was young, a missionary from Canada had encouraged us to rely on God, using those verses from Jeremiah 17. She emphasized that doing so would enable us to flourish and bear fruit abundantly in our lives. This passage of Scripture had a profound impact on me, leading me to choose to depend on God rather than on people.

    In 1988, Everlight Chemical successfully went public on the Taiwan stock market. While preparing the script for the stock-listing presentation, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude toward God and decided to include a statement: “Conducting business according to the truths revealed in the Bible will surely lead to God’s blessings and success.” Since then, in Everlight Chemical’s profile and press releases we have consistently highlighted that we are a company that strives to bear witness to God.

    At the CBMC World Convention in 1997, I learned that the purpose of Christian business differs from non-Christian enterprises in that it aims to “glorify God.” This understanding clarified for me that the mission of a Christian business is not only to bear witness to God but also to bring glory to Him.

    Everlight Chemical has faced many challenges in the high-tech industry; however, we have chosen to rely on God and entrust the success of our business to Him. Thanks to God’s grace, direction and faithful provision, we have been blessed with talent, wisdom, and great customers, allowing many new ventures to gradually turn from losses to profits.

    I believe the success of our company is undoubtedly a manifestation of God’s grace. As stated in Micah 6:8, we are “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Walking with the Lord and establishing an intimate relationship with Him enable us to remain steadfast in the ever-changing marketplace and to bear witness to Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

    Ding-Chuan Chen – D. C. Chen – is the founder of Everlight Chemical, a publicly listed advanced dye and high-tech chemical company in Taiwan. The company currently operates subsidiaries in six countries worldwide and has more than 1,800 employees. He is the author of “Ever Admire the Light” and “Higher Ground”; has been a member of CBMC for more than 50 years; serves as the Honorary Chairman of CBMC Taiwan and has previously held the positions of Chairman for both CBMC Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as an International Director of CBMC. He actively participates in various Christian ministries and charitable organizations.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. What different outcomes can arise from choosing to rely on people rather than relying on God when a business faces challenges?
    2. Have you ever felt prideful due to the smooth operation of your business, leading you to become self-reliant and to drift away from God? If so, what impact has this had on your business or your life?
    3. In what ways can the success of a business serve as a testament to or glorify God? How do you practice this in your daily operations?
    4. In your life, what individuals or events have encouraged you to rely more on God – through their example or their counsel? Describe the influence they have had on you?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Jeremiah 17:5-8; Psalm 145:9-16, 97:7-11, 113:1-4; Matthew 6:25-34

    Challenge for This Week
    In the coming week, take some time to reflect on how you rely on God in your work and daily life. Record some of the decisions you make each day and assess whether those decisions have been based on reliance on God or on others.If you discover that you are leaning too much on people while neglecting God in certain areas, consider sharing this with a mentor or a trusted friend for mutual encouragement and growth. If you have not yet found the right person to support your spiritual growth, pray for guidance in seeking a spiritual partner who can help you pursue a life goal that glorifies God together. If you are a member of a CBMC team, perhaps you can find that person there.

    Matt Trayler

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  • What Are Your Ultimate Goals?

    What Are Your Ultimate Goals?

    As business and professional people, what we do is governed at least in part by goals: Sales or productivity goals; daily goals; project goals; financial goals; career goals. You could probably add to the list. But have you ever thought in terms of life goals, the ultimate goal for your life?

    Recently I viewed a brief video in which a pastor described a meeting with a businessman in his congregation. The businessman planned to leave the church because the pastor had offended him by something said in his sermon. The pastor asked about what had seemed so offensive.

    The businessman recalled the pastor had commented it was unwise for someone to strive to make as much money as possible, then move to a popular retirement area and spend the rest of his life playing golf. The businessman was offended because that was what he intended to do – as soon as possible.

    In response, the pastor suggested the businessman was trivializing his life, devoting the rest of his life to chasing a ball around a golf course instead of using his God-given gifts and experience to be an influence on people. He said, “When you give your life to Jesus Christ, He calls you to be an influencer – to use your power, abilities and talents to influence the world around you for good, making it a better place.”

    Too often we spend our work hours eagerly awaiting the weekend. We spend our careers anxiously anticipating retirement so we can ‘finally do what I want to do.’ Have you ever considered that what you do at work, where you are currently doing it, is precisely what God wants you to do?

    The entire Bible mentions retirement only once. In the Old Testament book of Numbers it says of the Levites, the ceremonial priests of Israel, “at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer. They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the Tent of Meeting, but they themselves must not do the work” (Numbers 8:25-26). God had a succession plan for the priests who performed the ritual sacrifices, but even then, the “retired” priests were to continue assisting those who had taken their place.

    We all are unique, having different interests, skills, life experiences, and for followers of Jesus Christ, spiritual gifts that God intends for us to use for His divine purposes. As Colossians 3:23-24 states so clearly, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

    There are times for rest and relaxation, as we have discussed in past editions of Monday Manna. But having a life goal of working only long enough to amass enough resources to be able to withdraw from the world and engage all our waking hours in activities of no eternal impact makes little sense.

    In His so-called “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus spoke of focusing on things that will last for eternity: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20). Golf, or whatever pastime we choose, may be enjoyable, but we are unlikely to find much treasure there that will last for eternity.

    © 2025. Robert J. Tamasy has written Marketplace Ambassadors: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, coauthored with Ken Johnson; and The Heart of Mentoring, coauthored with David A. Stoddard. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. Can you identify with the businessman who is striving to earn as much money as possible so he can retreat to a nice retirement area and spend the rest of his life pursuing his favorite hobby? Explain your answer.
    2. Do you believe the talents, skills, and abilities you have ultimately were given to you by God, meaning you are responsible for faithfully stewarding them for God’s glory? Why or why not?
    3. Assuming you do believe that what you bring to the workplace – including spiritual gifts and experience accumulated over years in the marketplace – ultimately have been entrusted to you by God, how should that affect your approach to your job every day?
    4. Jesus spoke about “laying up treasures in heaven” rather than “treasures on earth.” What do you think He meant? What do you think this looks like, practically speaking?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Matthew 25:14-30; Romans 12;11; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 6:7; Colossians 3:17

    Challenge for This Week
    When you wake up each day and prepare to go to work, does the idea that “whatever you do, do your work as for the Lord” ever come to your mind? If so, how does this affect your attitude and approach to what you will be doing?

    Try to find some time this week to discuss this with a close friend, trusted advisor, mentor, or accountability group to get their input into what this means in a practical sense. If you admit you have been like the businessman who intends to devote his retirement years to what might be considered ‘trivial pursuits,’ share with them your thoughts based on what you have read in this week’s Monday Manna.

    Matt Trayler

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  • Visionary Leader’s Secret: Showing Up In The Moment

    Visionary Leader’s Secret: Showing Up In The Moment

    Visionary leadership is a term that gets thrown around a lot these days. In a fast-moving, globalized world, leaders are expected to anticipate the future, set bold directions, and shape organizations that thrive in a rapidly changing marketplace. Richard Stearns, former CEO of World Vision, once said, “A leader must define the current reality, articulate a desired future, identify a way forward, and personally ‘own’ the vision.” And he is right – without vision, leadership becomes reactive rather than proactive. The best leaders see not only what is but also what could be.

    And yet, this presents a hidden danger: Leaders so consumed by the future can easily lose sight of the people right in front of them. There is a paradox at the heart of leadership: to truly shape the future, one must be fully present in the now.

    The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” That is not a command to those with flexible schedules or abundant free time – it is an essential trait of Christian leadership. If leaders are too absorbed in strategy, too fixated on long-term outcomes, they will fail to notice the joys and sorrows of those they are called to serve. And when people feel unseen, they disengage. They will not follow a leader who appears distant, even if that leader has a compelling vision for the future.

    This is where many leaders stumble. They believe their primary calling is to cast vision – to inspire, to strategize, to set bold goals. But the Bible suggests leadership is not merely about direction – it is about presence. Colossians 3:14 reminds us to “put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Love is not just a virtue to cultivate in personal life; it is the glue that holds together an organization, a team, a community.

    And love, at its core, requires presence. Showing up in the moment. Leaders who truly lead well do more than articulate the mission; they walk alongside their people. They listen before they speak. They notice the exhaustion in an employee’s voice. They recognize the quiet victories worth celebrating. They see people, not just productivity.

    Jesus Christ embodied this. As the ultimate visionary leader, He did not simply arrive with a grand vision of redemption – He walked among the people. He touched lepers. He dined with sinners. He wept at Lazarus’ tomb. He did not merely announce salvation; He lived among those He came to save.

    Here is the irony: a leader too obsessed with the future may never actually get there. People do not follow vision alone. They follow those who know them, who love them, who walk with them. The best leaders are not only visionaries; they are shepherds.

    To lead well is to love well. And to love well is to be fully present. Leadership is not just about taking people somewhere; it is about being with them on the way. And in doing so, we reflect Christ, the ultimate servant-leader, who did not remain distant but entered our world, walked our streets, and called us to something greater. If we want to lead like Him, we must learn to do the same.

    © 2025. Christopher C. Simpson is dedicated to fostering a bold and triumphant Christian faith within the global marketplace, driven by a deep conviction in the Gospel’s transformative power. Before becoming President of CBMC International, Chris dedicated 28 years to a distinguished career in the public sector – as a Commanding Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps; and serving in the U. S. Secret Service, responsible for protecting seven American presidents and leading elite teams in complex, high-stakes international missions. With his wife Ana, a native of Nicaragua, and their three children, Chris resides in Boca Raton, Florida. 

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. How can a leader balance the tension between casting a vision for the future and being fully present with the people he or she leads?
    2. Paul instructs us in Romans 12:15 to “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” What practical steps can leaders take to cultivate and demonstrate genuine empathy and engagement in their daily leadership?
    3. Jesus modeled leadership by walking among His people rather than leading from a distance. What are some modern leadership habits or mindsets that can unintentionally create distance between leaders and their teams?
    4. The article states, “A leader who is too obsessed with the future may never actually get there.” How have you seen this play out in leadership, either in your own experience or in others? What are ways to ensure that vision does not come at the expense of presence – not being readily available to people when needed?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 27:23-27; Mark 10:42-45; Luke 22:26-27; Ephesians 6:7-9; Philippians 2:3-4

    Challenge for This Week
    If God has placed you in a leadership role, whether it is as CEO of a company, a vice president, manager of a department, or leader of a small team, how would you evaluate yourself in terms of “showing up in the moment”?

                Are you too preoccupied with goals and objectives, striving toward the future, that you ignore or neglect the people who work around you every day? It might be helpful to ask a friend, a trusted advisor, or an accountability group to help in assessing how effective you are as a leader in demonstrating your concern and care for their needs. If you find yourself deficient in this respect, what steps might you take to be “fully present in the now”?

    Matt Trayler

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  • Negotiating Agreements God’s Way

    Negotiating Agreements God’s Way

    Business negotiations are fraught with opportunities to turn into stressful experiences. To help in reducing this tension, I have learned five guiding principles on how best to negotiate agreements. The first principle is: Clearly define your desired outcome from the transaction. Recently, Rod needed to hire a new videographer. He examined his budget and considered the maximum value he could afford to pay. Even though his preferred new vendor quoted a higher price, because of Rod’s research, he was able to counter the price and strike a mutually beneficial deal.  

    One day religious leaders asked Jesus about the greatest commandments. Jesus responded, “The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Researching and knowing a fair outcome for yourself is a way of loving yourself, so that you can also love others well.

    The second principle is: Avoid negotiating with those you cannot trust. A previous bank customer of mine was represented by a chief financial officer who was very manipulative. This CFO would use his other bank relationships to pressure us to give him a better deal. We agreed to better pricing until I learned that the CFO had been lying to me. When I realized I could not trust him, I refused to negotiate our terms any longer. If it had been up to me, I would have terminated the relationship. Proverbs 12:22 teaches, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” If you cannot trust someone, any agreement will likely become meaningless later.

    The third principle is: Understand the other parties’ needs and concerns. In the Bible’s Old Testament, the story of Boaz’s pursuit to marry Naomi’s daughter-in-law, Ruth, is an example of shrewd negotiating. Because of Jewish law, one person had first rights to redeem Naomi’s land and marry Ruth. Boaz considered the situation and the impact on the other potential redeemer. He introduced the subject by highlighting that negative impact. The potential redeemer declined, enabling Boaz to marry Ruth.  Proverbs 3:13 teaches, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” By gaining understanding and knowledge of the other party’s needs, you likely will have a favorable outcome.

    The fourth principle is: Always work toward a mutually beneficial, “win/win” agreement. Stan was a bank customer who believed he always needed to win all points of every negotiation, making the bank the loser and his business the winner.  Stan won occasional battles, but that did not bode well for a fruitful long-term relationship. I began dreading negotiations with Stan; out of frustration, I was not as generous as I could have been. In Philippians 2:3, the apostle Paul wrote, “In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” God prefers that we focus on win/win solutions rather than ignoring the needs of the other party.

    The final principle is: Lean toward being generous. In the biblical story of Joseph, Egypt had seven years of famine. To afford to buy food, all Egyptians sold their land to Pharoah. The Egyptian king, however, needed them to farm the land, so Joseph worked out a win/win sharecropping arrangement.  

    We see in Genesis 47:24 that Joseph told the Egyptians, “But when the crop comes in, give a fifth of it to Pharaoh. The other four-fifths you may keep as seed for the fields and as food for yourselves and your households and your children.” By only requiring 20 percent for Pharoah, Joseph received favor from the Egyptians and provided them the opportunity to create wealth both for themselves and for Pharoah.

    © 2025, Unconventional Business Network. Adapted with permission from “UBN Integrity Moments”, a commentary on faith at work issues. Visit www.unconventionalbusiness.org. UBN is a faith at work ministry serving the international small business community.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. How do you typically feel when you are about to engage in negotiations, whether with a client, your supervisor, or an employee? Do you find it stressful? Why or why not?
    2. When you are negotiating, do you usually know your desired outcome – or do you just go into it hoping for some kind of acceptable resolution? Explain your answer.
    3. What are your thoughts about striving to arrive at a “win/win,” mutually beneficial agreement when engaging in negotiations?
    4. The final recommended principle for negotiating agreements is to lean toward being generous. As you understand it, what does that mean? What are some potential problems or challenges in trying to do this? 

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 12:19, 16:11; Romans 12:10; Galatians 5:26; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5 

    Challenge for This Week
    During the coming week, try to think back on times when you have engaged in negotiations. How well did you align with the five negotiating principles presented in this week’s Monday Manna? Did you strive for a mutually beneficial, win/win outcome – or was your goal only to maximize your own interests.

    If negotiating effectively seems to be a challenge for you, it might help to seek feedback from a friend, mentor, or small group in which you can discuss your thoughts and concerns candidly.

    Matt Trayler

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  • Recognizing and Overcoming Perils of Pride

    Recognizing and Overcoming Perils of Pride

    Recently as I was watching an interview with comedian and legendary talk show host Jay Leno, he commented about being a big believer in low self-esteem. He explained his perspective that if he begins to think he knows more than the next person, he is in trouble. Leno also observed that if we start to believe we know everything, that means we have decided to stop learning.

    When Leno was hosting “The Tonight Show,” for example, he would never try to tell the lighting people or sound people how to do their job, something he had seen some TV hosts attempt to do. He reasoned that if a person was a lighting director for a major network TV show, they were the best at their job. It would be foolish to try telling them how to position the lights.

    As business leaders, community leaders or political leaders, our job is to find the best people for each role and then listen to them. As soon as we start thinking that we are the smartest person in the room, we are inviting disaster. In the Bible, Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” In other words, pride always foretells destruction. 

    Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” It does not get much clearer than that. Pride – or boasting about ourselves or our accomplishments – never ends well. This is a consistent theme throughout the Bible, as well as in secular wisdom throughout the ages.

    When we hear somebody bragging about how smart they are, boasting about how much they know, it should always be a signal to take caution. In reality, they might be just talking to themselves trying to overcome their fear and insecurities about their own shortcomings.

    But some people counter with, “Shouldn’t we be proud of our work, our kids, or our favorite team?” Bestowing praise and showing pride about the accomplishments of others is not the same as taking credit that others deserve, or assuming we were the only ones responsible for any success that is achieved.

    To be successful at whatever we do, we must be continual learners. The faster the world changes, the better students we need to be. Pride, however, often prevents us from learning. Because learning requires that we put ourselves in a place where someone else is the master teacher or mentor. 

    We must admit there are things we do not know or are not skilled at doing. As Proverbs 13:10 tells us, “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” We can always find people who are smarter, more skilled, or simply better at doing certain things than we are.

    Having been an entrepreneur, self-employed person and sometimes freelance worker, I have discovered we need to spend half of our time learning and improving our skills. If we have only six hours to chop down a tree, three of those hours are best used sharpening the ax – learning to improve ourselves. 

    As Ecclesiastes 10;10 in the Bible’s Old Testament states, “If the ax is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of bringing success.” Spending time bragging about how skilled we are with that ax is just not going to cut it – both literally and figuratively.

    © 2025. Jim Mathis is a writer, photographer, musician and small business owner in Overland Park, Kansas. His latest book is The Camel and the Needle, A Christian Looks at Wealth and Money. He formerly was a coffee shop manager, as well as executive director of CBMC in Kansas City, U.S.A.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. Have you ever worked with – or for – someone who seemed to know better than anyone else about practically everything? If so, what is it like to work with an individual like that?
    2. What do you think about Jay Leno’s suggestion that having “low self-esteem” is a good thing, meaning being able to realize that others might be better at doing some things than we are? 
    3. Do you consider yourself to be a continual learner, a person who is eager to discover new insights and understanding about many things – recognizing you do not ‘know it all’? 
    4. How do you respond to people who demonstrate genuine humility, who seem to put others ahead of themselves and recognize the value and contributions of people they work with?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 15;33, 16:5, 18:12, 21:4, 21:24, 22:4; Philippians 2:3-4; Romans 12;10; James 4:6

    Challenge for This Week
    The Bible declares that “money is a root of many kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10), but some theologians have suggested that pride ultimately is the basis for every sin, including the love of money. Because pride causes people to desire more and more.

    Is pride an issue for you? It can manifest itself in many forms, including insisting that we know best about virtually everything. It also can involve selfishness, self-promotion, self-centeredness, and many other ways of exalting self. If you find yourself wrestling with pride – and most of us do, to some extent – find someone to talk with about this, even being willing to accept their advice and their prayers.

    Matt Trayler

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  • Winning Teams-and Weakest Links

    Winning Teams-and Weakest Links

    A time-honored adage tells us, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” A chain, whether wrapped around someone’s wrist, restraining an aggressive dog, or suspending a heavy object, cannot serve its purpose if one or more of its links are weak. This principle also is true for many areas of life – such as building and sustaining strong teams, whether on athletic fields and arenas or in the marketplace.

    Another truism that applies here is, “One person can’t make a team, but one person can break a team.” In other words, the most gifted and talented member of a team cannot guarantee the team’s success. But the failure of one individual on the team can contribute greatly to its downfall.

    Years ago, I had the privilege of going to Brazil for a series of meetings with business and professional leaders wanting to learn how to represent Jesus Christ more effectively where they worked, using CBMC strategies. During one session I used the sport of soccer (futbol) as an example. When all the players are playing their positions in a unified way, victory can often be achieved. However, if even one player fails to do his or her job – especially the goalie – defeat is probable.

    Using that analogy, I explained to my friends in Brazil the key to fruitful marketplace ministry was not relying on a single individual, which had been the case in the past, but recognizing their various strengths, making allowances for one another’s weaknesses, and determining how to assign various responsibilities while striving toward the same goals: To present Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to those they encountered through the workplace, and to help followers of Jesus to become fruitful disciples.

    The Bible is not a sports guidebook, but it says much about the importance of teamwork. For instance: 

    All play an important role on the team. Imagine if the percussionists failed to perform their parts in Peter Tchaikovsky’s rousing “1812 Overture.” Or if two keys on the piano were terribly out of tune when a virtuoso pianist was playing Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.” The results would not be good. “The body is a unit though it is made up of many parts, and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ…. God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked, so that there should be no division in the body” (1Corinthians 12:12-31).

    Teams provide support when needed. Even on a good team, things do not always go smoothly. A struggling team member can benefit from the support and encouragement of others on the team, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

    Everyone can make a unique contribution. Some members of a team may receive more attention, but each one contributes, from the CEO to the custodian. We need them all. “…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment according to the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…” (Romans 12:3-6).

    © 2025. Robert J. Tamasy has written Marketplace Ambassadors: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, coauthored with Ken Johnson; and The Heart of Mentoring, coauthored with David A. Stoddard. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. Have you ever been part of a team – at work, in sports, or a community endeavor – when one or more members consistently failed in carrying out their responsibilities? What was that like? How did you feel about it?
    2. How do you respond if asked to perform a role on a team that you feel ill-equipped to do? Is it best to simply decline the assignment? In what ways can you help to identify how you – and others – fit best in pursuing the team’s broader objectives?
    3. Does the analogy of how the human body functions, with its different parts, help in having a better understanding of the dynamics of how an effective team works? Why or why not?
    4. In what ways can we be certain to recognize the contributions of each team member, especially those whose roles are not as visible or prominent?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Exodus 35:30-25; 2 Chronicles 30:12; Nehemiah 4:13-17; Mark 6:7; Acts 1:8

    Challenge for This Week
    Take some time to evaluate yourself in terms of how well you function as part of a team. Are you recognized as an effective team player, or do you prefer to operate independently? Even if your personality is such that you work best on your own, how can you strive to become a stronger member of a team when necessary?

    For help in assessing your strengths and weaknesses in terms of being part of a team, ask for feedback from a trusted friend, or mentor, accountability partner, or your CBMC peer advisory group.

    Matt Trayler

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  • Balance for an Intentional Life

    Balance for an Intentional Life

    Modern life often pushes us into a frenetic pace for productivity. As a consequence, health, relationships, and spiritual well-being can be neglected. But those of us who are followers of Christ in the marketplace are called to strive for balanced living, reflecting the values of God’s Kingdom in all areas of our lives. The “8+8+8 rule” offers a simple model to help us achieve this balance: 8 hours of work, 8 hours of rest, and 8 hours for leisure and personal activities. With God at the center of these areas, we can live intentionally and with purpose.

    Work (8 hours). The Bible teaches us that work is a divine calling. In Colossians 3:23, we are reminded:
    “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” When we apply this perspective, work becomes a way to worship God, serving others with excellence and dedication. In our work, we seek to reflect the three H’s: Honesty (Proverbs 12:22) – “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy”; Humility (James 4:6) – “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble”; and Humor (Proverbs 17:22) – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” These principles can transform the work environment.

    Author Tim Keller wrote, “Christians should be fully engaged in work as complete people, dedicating their minds, hearts, and bodies fully to do the best work possible in the task at hand.” When we place God at the center of our work, everything becomes an expression of His grace and purpose in our lives.

    Rest (8 hours). God teaches us to rest. Rest is not just a pause, but a form of physical, mental, and spiritual renewal. In Exodus 20:8-10, the command to set aside time for the Sabbath reminds us:
    “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work…” Rest is a way to trust God as our provider and our sustainer.

    Here, the three S’s can guide us: Silence (Psalm 46:10) – “Be still, and know that I am God”; Solitude (Mark 1:35) – “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed“; and Sabbath(Exodus 20:8-10). Dedicate time to listen to God’s voice, reflect on His Word, and rest in His presence.

    Leisure and Personal Activities (8 hours). God created us to live in community, and this includes moments of leisure and interpersonal relationships. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we are reminded: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Leisure and personal activities should include time with family, friends, and also with God.

    Here we can use the 3 F’s – Faith (Hebrews 11:1) – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”; Family (Ephesians 5:25) – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”; and Friends (Proverbs 17:17) – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” – help us stay focused on what truly matters, strengthening our relationship with God, others, and ourselves.

    By following the “8+8+8 rule,” aligned with biblical principles and the 3 F’s, 3 H’s, and 3 S’s, we find a path to live more balanced and intentional lives. Balance is not a luxury, but a necessity to fulfill our purpose as we work with excellence, rest with trust, and cultivate God-honoring relationships.

    © 2025. Erenia Mendoza is the National Director of CBMC Brazil and a member of CBMC International’s Global Leadership Team. She also serves on CBMC’s Executive Committee for Latin America. Born in Nicaragua and raised in Brazil, Erenia built her career in the Entertainment industry, specializing in Distribution and Marketing for films and series. She has worked with and for major studios, including Sony Pictures and The Walt Disney Company, across Latin America.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. How would you define having balance in life? 
    2. How successful are you in achieving a measure of balance and a proper perspective about different areas of your life? Do you think that having a balanced life sounds like a good idea, but is basically wishful thinking? Explain your answer.
    3. Why it is sometimes so difficult to achieve a proper balance of work, rest, and leisure and personal activities? What are some of the obstacles or threats to enjoying a balanced life?
    4. What role – if any – do you think the spiritual dimension of our lives play in our desire and successful achievement of balanced living? 

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Exodus 35:30-31,35; Psalm 37:7, 46:10; Ecclesiastes 5:18, 8:17; Mark 6:31; Colossians 3:17

    Challenge for This Week
    If you realize your own life’s work/rest/leisure balance is not what it needs to be, it might seem difficult to find time to reassess how your days are being spent. However, if you do not start working to achieve the desired balance, it will never happen by itself.

    Try to schedule a time to meet with a mentor, trusted advisors or your CBMC group if you are in one to discuss where you are in this respect, and where you would like to be. Be willing to consider suggestions and advice.

    Matt Trayler

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  • Striving to Find Work You Can Enjoy

    Striving to Find Work You Can Enjoy

    Why do you go to work? We can offer many reasons for working, ranging from earning a living to being able to pay off debts to putting into productive use many of our waking hours. But how many of us go to work primarily because we simply enjoy what we are doing? 

    There is an adage that suggests, “If you love your job, you will never go to work again.” That means if you find enjoyment and fulfillment in what you do, it will not seem like a burden going to work each day.

    In the 1981 theatrical film about Eric Liddell, the Scottish Olympic runner who also was preparing to become a missionary to China, one particular scene illustrates this truth. Liddell is explaining to his sister why he continues to train for the Olympics even though he has committed his life to missions work. 

    Liddell agrees with his sister that serving as a missionary is what God has called him to do. Then he adds, “I believe God made me for a purpose – for China. But He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Have you ever had a time in your work when you too could “feel God’s pleasure”?

    This reminds me of a theme King Solomon highlighted in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. After having experienced virtually everything that life could offer – sensory pleasures, wealth, fame, and great success – the king of Israel arrived at this conclusion: 

    “Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him…to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a gift from God” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19).

    You might ask yourself, ‘Am I doing work that I enjoy, or am I engaged in work that is soul-depleting?’ With many of our waking hours being spent in the workplace, striving to be able to enjoy our work is a beneficial, fruitful pursuit. A question might come to your mind: ‘How can I do this?’ Especially if you do not currently have a job that you find very enjoyable. Here are some principles about work to consider from the Scriptures:

    God ordained work for us. Many people regard work as a necessary evil, but from the beginning God designed work as part of our ‘job description’ as human beings. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed [Adam and Eve] and said, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea…and over every living creature that moves on the ground’” (Genesis 1:27-28).

    God has created us uniquely. Like Eric Liddell, the Bible says God has created each of us uniquely and with a purpose. If possible, discover and pursue work that best utilizes your God-given gifts and passions. “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).

    Wherever we are, God wants us to honor Him. Even if our current job is not as fulfilling as we would like, the Lord has put us there for a reason. Perhaps you could try to restructure it in ways that maximize your gifts and passions, honoring God in the process. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).

    © 2025, Unconventional Business Network. Adapted with permission from “UBN Integrity Moments”, a commentary on faith at work issues. Visit www.unconventionalbusiness.org. UBN is a faith at work ministry serving the international small business community.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. If someone were to ask you, “Do you enjoy your work?” how would you respond? Explain your answer.
    2. What are the reasons that you go to work? How did your current job come about?
    3. Have you ever given serious consideration to what your God-given gifts and passions are? If so, what are they? In what ways do you think you are able to express them?
    4. The Scriptures admonish us to do our work as if we are working directly for God, rather than for human bosses or supervisors. What do you think that means? 

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages:
    Proverbs 2:11,24, 14:23, 22:29, 27:18; Ecclesiastes 9:15; Colossians 3:17

    Challenge for This Week
    This week consider this question:

    If money were not a consideration, would you consider doing the job you are currently doing? With that question in mind, pray about your answer. If you sense the need, find someone – a mentor, trusted friend, or small group of people you know want the best for you – with whom you can discuss how you feel about your work.

    If you have not already done so, try to identify the gifts and passions God has given to you. It might help to invite the comments and advice of others.

    Matt Trayler

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