Most businesses that sell merchandise will end up with inventory.  When inventory turns over quickly, we have a good investment.  However, when inventory sits on a shelf for many years; it drains the business instead of building it. 

Inventory that sits around is an expense in two critical ways.  

• First, the merchandise takes up space that could be allocated to products that do sell and generate profit.
• Second, sitting merchandise ties up funds which could be deployed for other purposes. 

Business leaders should understand the assets under their authority. These assets include human resources, cash, and other physical and Intellectual properties. 

In Scripture when the Lord prepared to feed a great number of people and the disciples considered it an impossible task; the Lord responded, “’How much bread do you have? . . . Go and find out.’ They came back and reported, ‘We have five loaves of bread and two fish.’”(Mark 6:38, NLT)

I have written about creating a to-do list before.  It is an important way to stay focused on what is important.  I write tomorrow’s list at the end of the day after I mark off what was accomplished on the current day’s list. This helps me stay motivated because I realize that I have accomplished several things.

A system of priorities is helpful.  When I place a “1” by an item, the task is something I absolutely must do. My “2’s” are also high priority. However, if for some reason I move them to the next day; my roof won’t fall in. Then, I label the other items with 3’s and 4’.

Many businesses have staff who use a mobile phone for business purposes. A company may be tempted to allow the employee to use their own phone and give them a small allowance to cover the business expense.  Generally, businesses do this to reduce cost to the business or to prevent a staff person from needing to carry another phone.

My perspective is that the business should own the phone.  Here’s why.  First, in today’s environment the cost of an additional phone is not significant. You don’t have to provide the newest or expensive upgraded phone, just a phone that meets the need.

During World War II, many items were in short supply and even rationed. A slogan widely used was “use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.” The point was that everything needed to be utilized and nothing should be wasted. 

In business there are times when we can repurpose business assets. We see an example in Scripture, “For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the houses in this city and the royal palaces of Judah that have been torn down to be used against the siege ramps and the sword.” (Jeremiah 33:4, NIV) Hopefully we won’t need to tear down our house and  repurpose the materials to defend our lives.