A Biblical Approach to Marketing Series: Intro | Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six

Verses:
Mark 10:17-23 “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!”

Insights for Meditation:
Jesus’ command for the rich young man to sell his possessions was only a means to a greater end.

Jesus gave clear direction as to how the profits should be used – to give to the poor.

The great wealth of the young man kept him from obeying Jesus’ command. He was so blinded by his love of riches that he didn’t perceive the greater value of eternal life.

Trust in riches/financial gain is a hindrance to entering the kingdom of God.

Principles for Application:
Honestly evaluate my motivation for selling and consider how the profits will be used.

Be cautious about pursuing marketing strategies that appeal to my greed or that convey an attitude of desiring to enrich myself.

Look for ways to use my financial gains to help the poor. Consider partnering with charitable organizations to sell my book and benefit their causes.

Determine not to let financial success divert my trust in the Lord to trust in money or effective marketing strategies. Realize that success is ultimately from God.

Questions for Consideration:
If my book generates substantial profits, what will I do with the money?

How can I guard against developing a spirit of greed?

What principles does God give in the Bible for the use of money that I need to take into consideration?

What organizations might be interested in partnering with me for the benefit of their charitable causes?

Do I have a passion for a need that I could better meet by establishing my own charitable cause, foundation or scholarship fund?

Steps for Implementation:
□ Write out a proposed plan for the use of profits generated from my book.
□ Compile a list of organizations/charitable causes to contact regarding partnering to promote my book and their causes.
□ Look into guidelines for establishing scholarship funds and foundations.