Meeting the needs of people

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him." 1 John 3: 17

This passage has a broad range of coverage. It can be applied to anyone we see in need regardless of our relationship with the person God sets before us. That is part of the responsibility in giving to the Kingdom of God out of the blessings He bestows on us. This is a huge responsibility that we, as Christians, have neglected on the most part. Selfishly, we have kept God's blessings for ourselves and relied on other organizations to meet these needs. While the above passage refers primarily to financial needs, it is more than just financial that we need to consider. People have physical, spiritual, and emotional needs, as well as, financial.  

In the marketplace, we have an opportunity to focus on our responsibility in meeting the needs of those in whom we have association. There are two aspects in which we can approach this. One is from the position as co-workers. The other is from the position of management's responsibility and authority. It is in this realm as Christian business managers that we can have the greatest influence on how we should approach meeting the needs of others. For those who have the authority to make financial decisions that affect other people, it is wise to consider principles God has laid out in His Word.

"Woe to him who builds his house without righteousness and his upper room without justice, who uses his neighbors services without pay and does not give him his wages." Jeremiah 22: 13  When we employ someone we have a responsibility to pay them a fair wage. But what constitutes a fair wage? First, the wage should match the responsibility. The wage should match what the job is worth and not what the person is worth. Many times we fall into the trap of paying extra money in order to get a special person. Sometimes when a person is truly valuable in all his ways, this can work out. But it can also lead to conflicts later on.    

 We should also match the person with the job. Does the job fit with the persons gifts, desires, and experience? " Do you see a person skilled in his work, he will stand before Kings; he will not stand before obscure men." Proverbs 22: 29.  But what if this does not meet the persons needs? I know about a company that was confronted with this situation. The person was a very valuable employee and had been with the company for some time. The employee began to confront the owner and ask for pay raises on a frequent basis. When these were refused, the employee threaten to quit and seek another job. 

The owner began to delve into the persons situation and discovered that this single mom did have some legitimate needs, but also was extravagant in some areas of expenses. The owner arranged for some financial counseling in establishing a budget, and also, created some avenues through the company for financial assistance. He found out, through this experience, that others in the company faced similar situations. He created a financial assistance program within the company whereby employees and management could contribute to the fund and it was administered by a board consisting of employees and management. 

This company truly exemplified what it means to meet the needs of others and exemplify Christ in the marketplace.