In these M3 Weekly articles, we frequently discuss the various aspects of the triple bottom line (TBL): making a profit, making disciples of Jesus, and making a difference in our communities.

But at the heart of this triangle lies the vital center — foundational commitments that anchor the perspective and practice of the missional enterprise leader: God’s Kingdom Values and Principles.1

These commitments are reflected in every aspect of our business dealings — from how we treat employees and customers, to the quality of our products and services, to how we steward resources and profit.

Without non-negotiable principles as our inner core, we could become like the hypocritical Pharisees that Jesus exposed as “whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”2

What Marks Us?

The From Building to Blessing Framework, developed by the Agathe Centre for Entrepreneurship, describes a number of “Marks of a TBL Enterprise.” These marks give practical expression to what Kingdom-centered leadership looks like in daily practice.

Such an enterprise is:3

• Led by growing, Christ-centered leaders who serve and empower their workers and seek to walk by faith and be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
• Characterized by grace and truth, that is readily experienced by all who engage with the enterprise.
• Shaped by Scripture, thoughtfully and appropriately integrated into the daily operational life of the enterprise and its transformational impact seen in generational terms.
• Grounded in justice and fairness, a just place where every effort is made to bring all systemic aspects of the enterprise into conformity with the values of the kingdom of God.
• Well-governed, with solid governance structures rooted in biblical guidance and lived out in culturally appropriate ways.

We encourage you to download the From Building to Blessing Framework, and take time to read and thoughtfully consider each of the marks included. More than just aspirational ideals, they are invitations to allow the presence of Christ to transform our enterprises from the inside out. For those who want to explore even further, the team at Faith Driven Entrepreneur has also developed a helpful list of the “12 Marks of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur.” Taken together, these resources offer a guide for seeing Kingdom commitments take visible shape in our leadership.

Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly

In summary, these commitments align well with the threefold declaration of commitments given in Micah 6:8 “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (ESV). For missional enterprise leaders, we are called to:

• Do Justice – Lead our enterprises with integrity, excellence, and fairness in all we do.
• Love Kindness – Extend grace and truth in our businesses in every interaction, displaying Christ-like virtues of patience, kindness, and faithfulness.
• Walk Humbly – Abide in Christ as we steward our businesses, depending on Him in everything, and grounding ourselves in God’s Word.

By God’s grace, and in community with others, let’s pursue fidelity to the core commitments that should mark us as followers of Jesus as we lead our enterprises.

Verse of the Week:

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (ESV)

May our commitment to justice, mercy, and a humble walk with God characterize all we do.