Experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders agree: one of the most critical components of a lasting company is its values. Core values are the foundational beliefs upon which a business is built; they act as a compass, guiding every decision and service that the business provides.
Building on Values
If your business is founded on a value like reliability, that principle becomes your North Star. No matter what challenges arise, your leaders and employees will instinctively align with that core value. This foundation is what supports your growth and distinguishes you from the competition.
Take Nike as an example. As a Fortune 500 company, they are notable for their commitment to social and community impact. They view the entire world as their community and believe in the power of sport to move that world forward. Personally, I am a supporter because I see that community in action—like when a pair of shoes sparks a conversation between two total strangers.
Nike’s impact is real because their foundation is solid, but they aren’t the only ones. If you are looking for inspiration for your own business, you can find several other excellent examples of company core values from industry leaders who have built their success on these same principles.
Remember: the foundation you lay at the start will ultimately make or break your future.
The Spiritual Bedrock
As a woman of faith, I see this same principle at work in our spiritual lives. Sometimes, the busyness of life causes us to forget who we are in the Lord and the faith that has carried us this far.
Whether you are a new believer or a seasoned saint, we must hold fast to our identity in Christ Jesus. This is beautifully illustrated in Matthew 7:24-27:
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
As Christians, we are guided by the principles of the Bible. As we grow in Him, we learn to trust His promises more deeply. If you are new, you are preparing your foundation. If you are seasoned, you are ensuring your house is on that Solid Rock so that when the storms come, you will stand.
Hold Fast to Your Truth
I want to encourage you: never forget what you are building on. If you believe in your foundation enough to be convinced by it, you must continue to walk in it. Choosing to live for Jesus is the best decision you have ever made. Let that decision bleed over into every aspect of your life—from your business dealings to your personal walk.
If you are ready to fortify your foundation and go deeper in your walk, I invite you to pick up a copy of my book, Strengthening Your Relationship with Jesus by Yolanda C. Holmes, available on my website or Amazon.
