Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 3: 16-28; 1 Kings 5: 1-18; 2 Chronicles 2: 1-18; 1 Kings 6: 1-13; 2 Chronicles 3: 1-14; 1 Kings 6: 14-38
In my 30’s I owned a business. Networking and connecting with others was a huge part of everyday life for me. In the world of small business networking there’s a cardinal rule, “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.” This connecting for mutual benefit was and is critical to the success of the small business model.
You are not going to believe this but networking dates all the way back to Solomon’s day!
In today’s reading we see Solomon as a young king building a relationship with king Hiram of Tyre. King Hiram was instrumental in the building the Temple, a place of beauty for the Presence of God to dwell. Without his timber and craftsmen the Temple would not have been so magnificent.
From our reading so far, it is very unusual for two kings to work together; just more evidence that Solomon has supernatural wisdom from the Lord! Since Solomon was this wisest person who was or ever will be (1 Kings 3: 12); he was probably the president of his local networking chapter. I think we can learn something about networking and connecting with people as we look at today’s reading.
Below is a great list of guidelines for networking and connecting straight from the Word of God!
- If possible use a family member or friend’s endorsement to make the initial connection. (1 Kings 5:1)
- Immediately respond to phone calls, emails or letters; follow-up, follow-up, follow-up! (1 Kings 5:2)
- Share your passion, purpose and goals, not a sales pitch about your product or service. (1 Chronicles 2: 5)
- Partner on a project that would benefit both parties. (1 Kings 5:5)
- Do business together as soon as possible. (1 Kings 5:6)
- Encourage and build up by pointing out what they’re doing well. (1 Kings 5: 6b)
- Do what you say you’re going to do. (1 Kings 5: 10)
- When you find someone you work well with; form an alliance. (1 Kings 5: 12)
- Allow each person to work within in their strengths. (2 Chronicles 2: 8 )
- Always be clear in your agreements. (2 Chronicles 2: 1-18)
You may not own a business but these three-thousand year old relationship principles will work in the church, in a corporation, in private business, in our schools, and in our homes.
The Bible is the number one business book in the world. It’s the key to success in heaven AND on earth! Oh, there’s one added benefit: Your circle of influence will see Jesus in you!
Go out and Network like a king!
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:Saturday-1 Kings 7: 1-51, 2 Chronicles 3:15 through 4: 22
Dianne, I like the way you extract the eternal truths of Scripture ad apply them to modern life in creative and quite surprising ways.
Michelle, thank you for your words of encouragement. As Solomon says in Ecclesiastes, “There is nothing new under the sun!”
What an interesting take! You’ve driven me to study this more, good job!
Ashley, that makes me so happy! Each one of us needs to dig into the Word of God for ourselves and let the Holy Spirit speak through us. Happy studying! Thanks so stopping by The Journey!
Networking is indeed an important part of business. It’s hard, sometimes, for us introverts, but I push myself to venture out of my comfort zone whenever possible. Thanks for sharing your post!
Hi Melanie, thanks for taking the time to stop by The Journey. Networking can be hard, especially when we feel as if we’re asking someone to help us (I hate that), but if we’re just going about our life “being” Jesus to those we come in contact and fulfilling God’s calling on our lives it seems much easier. Now if I can just remember that!