Created for Work ~ Ch. 19 "Promptly After, But Not Before"

"A fool may make money, but it needs a wise man to spend it."

~ C.H. Spurgeon

Schultz opens chapter 17 of Created for Work with some basic advice about the business world: "Never pay a man for his labor before he does his work. Never recieve pay before you accomplish a task." If you intend to run a prosperous and God-honoring business, this advice is absolutely essential to bear in mind. Why? Here are two simple answers... 

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First, You Will Be Honoring God.

The Christian businessman should always seek to conduct his affairs according to the character of his Maker. "His customers, suppliers and associates should see God in the man as he transfers property and services from one person to another."

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Let's say you paid God for two pounds of roofing nails. Would He put less than that amount in your sack? Of course not. He may give you two pounds and perhaps a little extra, but not less. That's because He has enough and is generous with what He has. Therefore, just as God would never give less than the amount agreed upon, the Christian should always fulfill the bargains he makes. He should never cheat his customers or those he works for. He should work and pay with the promptness and generosity of his God.

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God also doesn't pay men before they work. You have to plow, plant, and cultivate before you can harvest. In Matthew 20, we find the parable told by Jesus about the generous householder and the workers in the vinyard. The householder agreed on a wage with those he hired, and paid them at the end of the day when the job was done. God doesn't pay before completion because He knows the nature of man. Man tends to rest after receiving his reward. Therefore, the Christian should withhold payment until the job is finished. It may be necessary to pay for the cost of the materials before they are installed; however, never pay for labor before the workers complete the task.

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Second, You Will Be Doing Yourself A Favor.

By withholding payment until the task is done, you can avoid some painful experiences. Here's an example from Schultz: "My father-in-law wanted a new seat for his motor home. He paid full price when he ordered it. Somehow, the company couldn't get their hands on that seat. After five months and numerous requests, he sent his lawyer after them. Amazingly, the company quickly called to say that his seat was ready for installation as soon as they received the lawyer's letter." When you pay someone before they work, they lose their motivation. After all, why should they go out in the cold and rain to work when they already have the money? They can just wait for a better day. On the other hand, the man who needs the money will surmount many obstacles to finish the job because he has his eye on the wealth he hopes to gain. Full men do not work like hungry men.

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Schultz says, "I don't accept money for my labor before doing a job. As all men, I work best when hungry and looking ahead for payment. If someone pays me at the start of a job, it takes away my incentive. It makes me feel like I'm in debt. Instead of working simply because I want to, when prepaid, I work because I have to, to pay the obligation."

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Following the simple rule of "Promptly After, But Not Before" allows you to put a helpful safeguard on your business. What's more, you're aligning your affairs with the character of God. "He knows how to live," says Schultz, "and it's worth your while to follow His design, especially in business. May you always have a reputation for paying promptly and generously but not before the job is finished, because that's how God does it." 

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"And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

Revelation 22:12   

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Persevero,