Leadership: The 14 Success Principles of JobSample

6. Sharing and Caring

Job’s sixth principle is that he wants to share and care for others in a way that bucks the trend for wealthy people, both in his day and ours. Check Job’s challenge statements on this:

If I have denied the desires of the poor…  – Job 31:15

If I have kept my bread to myself…  – Job 31:16

If I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing…  – Job 31:19

Wealthy as he was, Job did not want to hoard his wealth or use it solely for his enjoyment. Rather, he wanted to be sure that he helped others with food, clothing or whatever was needed. In fact, Job even opened the doors of his own home to strangers:

No stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler...  – Job 31:32

The Bible doesn’t go into detail about how Job provided for the poor or homeless, and it may well be that he had specific staff in his organization dedicated to meeting those needs. Regardless of how he did it, the point remains: Job includes the principle of “Sharing & Caring” as an integral part of his leadership and business management.

Remember what Jesus taught about giving a party?

“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”  – Luke 14:13-14

And what James said about faith and deeds?

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  – James 2:14-17

Job knew that he was blessed by God, and he also knew that those blessings were not just for him, but for him to also bless others.

Sharing and caring. It’s a principle that pretty much goes against most of today’s success strategies and leadership teachings. It was important for Job and is important for you also.

Sharing and caring is another way to be set apart as a Christ-follower seeking to build His Kingdom. Especially in your workplace, business, or leadership role.

Reflection / Application   

1. In our leadership workshops, we teach that “It’s not all about you”, but that God wants to use you to bless others. How does that fit with Job’s principle of sharing and caring?   
2. Job likely had others in his organization to help implement his sharing and caring strategy. Can you build this into your organization also? How?   
3. Think of the last time you helped or gave extra to someone just because they needed it. What prevents you from doing so more often?