Paying invoices

It is said that ‘your best client is the one who pays on time!’ That is certainly true and for Christians in business, paying on time is a good testimony. Conversely, if our suppliers know that we are Christians and we are not paying on time, then it can destroy our testimony. Meeting our financial obligations, fully and on time, is a basic requirement to love our neighbour, as Paul told Roman believers. Paying what is due, is a demonstration of love.

If I make an agreement to pay personnel or a supplier within a particular timeframe and I fail to do so, then I have broken a promise and I put my reputation at risk. Christ lives in us and does not want to be involved in the breaking of promises. He always keeps his word!

It should be a priority to pay everyone in time, not only for my own reputation but also to honour God! Indeed, the Psalm says that not paying back what we owe is sinful. Jesus said that if we have a conflict, we should settle this quickly with our adversary, otherwise our offers to the Lord will be ignored!

Paying on time can improve my credit rating and reputation with suppliers and help to secure timely deliveries with good terms and long-lasting contracts.

The development of healthy, long-lasting relationships is indispensable for the business. We shouldn’t see relationships with creditors suffer for allowing a bill, salary, or debt remain unpaid. My ‘credit-ability’ is an important aspect of my witness as a Christian in the marketplace.

When I was CEO of a chemical company, our products were based on oil derivatives. Some time ago, there was an oil crisis and supplies were short. Some raw materials were even being rationed. I remember receiving a visit from one of our suppliers, a large German chemical business. The representative asked how much of a particular product we needed for our production. I told him what we would need for the coming months. ‘OK,’ he said, ‘you have it.’ I was surprised at his reaction because we were not a large user of his products. I asked why we were receiving preferential treatment. He replied, “because you always pay your invoices early.”

Question for the day
How is your reputation with your suppliers? Does this glorify God?