A Biblical Approach to Marketing Series: Intro | Part One | Part Two

For Part Two of this study, I moved on to the next reference of the word, “sell” in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance.

Verse:
Genesis 37:23-28 “And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.”

Insights for Meditation:
Joseph’s brothers had no interest in the goods the merchants offered because they were wholly intent on carrying out their own agenda. The money they received was of secondary importance in light of their primary purpose of getting rid of Joseph.

God providentially orchestrated the events and circumstances to accomplish His purposes. God arranged the perfectly timed encounter between Joseph’s brothers and the traveling merchants to accomplish His plan.

The traveling merchants served as “middlemen” that transported Joseph from his brothers to the end customer, Potiphar.

A successful transaction is not an indicator of God’s blessing. Joseph’s brothers acted unjustly and even though God used their wrong means to bring about His purposes, they forfeited the blessing that comes from obedience and rather caused unnecessary grief to those whom God would have them honor, namely their father.

Principles for Application:
I must pray and trust God to orchestrate the events and contacts that will enable me to effectively market my book to those whom He wants to purchase it.

I must view all of life’s events and circumstances through the perspective of God’s providence and look for ways to make the most of the opportunities and contacts He provides.

I must never engage in a business transaction that will cause me to compromise God’s standards, especially in the areas of honesty and honoring parents/authorities.

Questions for Consideration:
What is the primary purpose and motivation for writing and selling my book?

What people has God has placed in my path that are potential customers and/or could serve as “middlemen” to aid me in reaching potential customers?

What marketing approaches and businesses practices will bring honor and joy to God and my parents/authorities?

Steps for Implementation:
□ Compile a list of people I could personally contact to enlist their help in letting others know about my book.
□ Maintain a database of people I can include in marketing campaigns (via e-mail or postal mail).
□ Develop a way for people to add themselves to my mailing list (via website, e-mail, postal response card, etc.)
□ Make business cards/postcards/flyers to give to people that I meet.