Preface
VALUES IN THE MARKETPLACE is about Christ in the Marketplace. It is not the story of Christ in the Marketplace, but instead, an exegesis His values from biblical stories, principles and stories. This work by Dr. Jay Lykins can provide some practical answers to marketplace problems, but more than that, it provides a strong biblical basis and foundation for living a Christ like life in the marketplace. There is penetrating insight for the new Christian and profound biblical rationale for the mature Christian.
You may have picked up this book because of your interest in biblical values or because of your interest in the marketplace. You will find it will serve both interests. I was present for the first training class of “Values in the Marketplace” in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia in 1998. Nearly two hundred men and women were present for the training that was a precursor to a small business loan program. At the end of the teaching those attending were asked to come forward if they were interested in developing a business plan. More than 90 percent came up. Of that 90 percent two-thirds were interested, first, in where they could get more Bible training like that, which they first received. That is but a single example of the hunger for biblical values in the marketplace today.
In providing answers and principles for biblical values in the marketplace, this book is likely to make you uncomfortable. It challenges conventional Western ideas on materialism and the use of profit and wealth. It also presents some unconventional views on the employer-employee relationship and the purpose of business. But you will find solid theological rationale and biblical basis for these views. This is the real value of Dr. Lykins’ book: to take us out of our “business culture” and lead us into biblically-based practices and principles for everyday work.
I came to know Christ in the marketplace. I was discipled by the Regional Director for Dunn & Bradstreet. His guidance and regular Bible study were very important for my transition from secular views toward biblical views (a transition that continues). But the Bible study I received in my church did not seem to offer answers for tough issues within the marketplace I dealt with daily. This is a book to fill that void.and to lay the groundwork for business and ministry leaders to take Christ’s love, through His values, into the marketplace.
Albert B. York
Director of InternationalOperations
World Concern
2000
(Al is now in private practice, CEO of his own consulting firm, located in Florida).
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Last Updated: 10/2022
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