Let me start this discussion with a brief story about two intertwined events I found quite unique recently.
I had to get my Sun Mountain mini golf cart repaired after the left rear wheel was badly damaged on the golf course. I suspected it would cost at least $50 to get the cart fixed.
My first stop was Velo Pro Cyclery, which had previously worked on my mini cart a few years back. They agreed to do the repairs once I had the replacement wheel in hand.
I contacted Sun Mountain Sports in Missoula, Montana, by phone and was prepared to purchase the replacement wheel. They kindly took my mailing address and verified the part requested.
I asked how much I was going to be charged for the part and delivery and was delightfully surprised when advised they would send it out at no charge. The part arrived in three days!
The next day, I took my cart to Velo Pro and they promptly replaced the faulty wheel and made several adjustments to the mini cart, which works like new.
When I asked the manager what I owed, he, too, responded there was no charge.
My only cost for the necessary repairs was my time. I knew immediately this whole incident needed to be shared with my audience.
Witnessing these two businesses sacrifice in this manner has taken on a special meaning since these blessed events.
In Colossians 3:17, the Apostle Paul exhorts “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Now I have no way of knowing whether these workers are Christians, but I know they are following godly principles and will certainly be blessed for their kind gestures.
You may be thinking these businesses were foolish for not charging me for their product and services. I think not, and feel very fortunate to be the recipient of their generosity.
From what I can see, these two entities are doing quite well, and part of their success obviously deals with their attitude toward business. They realize that satisfied customers will be repeat customers and refer others to their business.
This may be a good opportunity to share my attitude on doing business. I’m not motivated by the love of money. My desire as an insurance agent has been focused on finding good people who want to take care of their loved ones in case of an untimely event that might devastate their family.
What I’ve found is my Lord provides for the needs of my family abundantly ,and there’s no need to use unethical practices for my gain.
I know such ethical business practices pleases my Lord. And, I know that, as written in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. So that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
That’s what doing business the right way is all about!