Competence in Business: The First Trait of a Great Car Salesman
In a later conversation, I found out that Tim is a person of faith, which made me all the more excited. I asked his permission to share this story with you as I believe it exemplifies the kind of competence followers of Christ should display – whatever their profession. He more than happily obliged.
Someone once said, “Your greatest contribution to the kingdom in your work is to be competent.”
Dorothy Sayers similarly referenced the importance of a Christian’s competence (with an obvious reference to Jesus’ profession as a carpenter, most of His adult life), “The Church’s approach to an intelligent carpenter is usually confined to moral instruction and church attendance. What the Church should be telling him is this: that the very first demand that His religion makes upon Him is that He should make good tables.”
Tim’s job involves customer service, and competence means being able to showcase cars accurately, speak with customers professionally, and respond to questions in a timely manner. Tim did his job well, and I respected him for it.
Integrity of Character: The Second Trait of a Great Car Salesman
Tim could have made the flashiest video ever and responded to every question immediately, but it wouldn’t have mattered had he been dishonest. This is especially true of faith-driven business people who claim to follow the Word of God.
If I had ended up buying the SUV from Tim, and it had turned out to be a lemon, and he had known it, I would have been repulsed by any mention he made of Christ, the Bible, or church. I’m so disappointed when I hear about the unfortunate experiences of those who have been burned by professing believers in business.
Therefore, great business people (car salesmen and otherwise) should have impeccable competence and integrity. In our technologically advanced, success-driven culture, you can’t have one or the other. High competence is a must for Christians in the workplace. If we can get that right, and match it with a high character component and a gentle courage to converse with others about the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15), that would be a compelling triad that would be hard for anyone far from God to ignore.
The Prophet Daniel Was an Excellent Example
Daniel was a perfect example of someone who was both competent and full of integrity. When an all-out witch hunt was carried out to expose dirt on his character and competence, look what God’s inspired Word says about him, “They could find no corruption in him because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt or negligent.” (Daniel 6:4b)
Further, who did King Belshazzar turn to when all of his “wise” men could not interpret the mysterious writing on the wall that suddenly appeared by an invisible hand? Daniel. Why? Because he was found as someone who had a…
“…keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems…” (Daniel 5:12b)
No wonder Daniel remained a go-to guy with irresistible, culture-changing influence and leadership for over 40 years even through the transition of 3 powerful pagan kingships!
Car Salesman, Baker, Tech Founder, Business Coach – Whatever You Do, Do it Competently and with Integrity
By this point, it should be obvious that this advice doesn’t just apply to how to be a great car salesman. Everyone should embrace competency and integrity. We are called to glorify God in all we do, and that includes our work.
Oh, how we need more heroic, competent, problem-solving, culture-changing Christ-followers in the workplace, business, and churches today! Will you dare to be a Tim? Will you dare to be a Daniel?
I am so grateful for Tims, for Daniels, and for those like you whom I have the privilege of serving through Kingdom Way Ministries. May we continue delighting our customers and showing them glimpses of God’s love through business.