Building Kingdom Culture: Lessons for Business Leaders from the Kings of Israel

by Dave Miller

As believers who live in a Western culture, we often wrestle with the sacred-secular divide—especially when it comes to business. Many Christians strive to be moral individuals in their professional lives, but the Bible calls us to something deeper: building a culture that reflects the kingdom of God. Our businesses aren’t just a vehicle for income or influence—they’re a place where God’s heart for people, stewardship, and blessing can be put on display.

Building a Culture That Reflects the Kingdom

In the books of First and Second Kings, we see a clear distinction between leaders who served their own interests and those who had a heart like David’s. David brought peace to Israel on every side through the Lord’s blessing. Once peace was established, he transitioned from a warrior king to a peacetime king (2 Samuel 7-8). This shift allowed him to focus on establishing systems that benefited the people, understanding that his role as king was to lead the people of God faithfully.

We see this pattern contrasted in the lives of later kings. After Solomon disobeyed the Lord, God tore the kingdom away from him. Yet for David’s sake, God promised to keep a portion under the kingship of David’s descendants. Rehaboam, Solomon’s son, foolishly sparked a civil war where Jeroboam was given leadership in the northern kingdom. As the king of the Northern tribes, Jeraboam was poised for a kingdom opportunity like David: if he had obeyed God, the Lord would have established his dynasty. But Jeroboam’s disobedience led not only to his downfall, but to generations of spiritual ruin in Israel, and ultimately the destruction of the entire nation. 

This tells us something crucial: God is looking for faithful leaders whom He can entrust with His people. When we walk in obedience, He establishes us—not for our own glory, but for the blessing of others. Leadership, then, is stewardship. It’s about building systems and culture that reflect God’s heart and bring blessing to those under our care.

Profits to Build People, Not People to Build Profits

As business owners, we have a responsibility to view our enterprises through the lens of God’s kingdom. We don’t use people to build profits; we use profits to build people. Our resources, influence, and systems are entrusted to us so that we can reflect the Father’s desire to bless and build up His people.

This is more than just bringing Christian morality into the workplace—it’s about architecting the entire culture of a business in such a way that it reveals the goodness and wisdom of Christ. Employees, customers, vendors, and communities should experience the wisdom and beauty of the kingdom through the witness of how we lead and serve, and the kingdom culture we work to create. 

Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast

As the saying goes, “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” The culture we create in our businesses should reflect the heartbeat of the Trinity. The Father desires to bless His people, and leaders like Paul and John in the New Testament speak of leading in a fatherly manner. As sons of the Father, we are called to be obedient sons as Jesus was obedient, building up others when we are given responsibility.

This stands in stark contrast to the downward spiral we see in the books of the Kings. Even when an obedient king tried to reform the nation, the entrenched culture from previous evil leaders prevented lasting change. Culture is more powerful than strategy. That’s why for true success and flourishing, leaders must build their strategies within kingdom values—values that prioritize the development and blessing of people over mere organizational success.

Leading with Kingdom Values

The lessons from Israel’s kings remind us that leadership is not just about efficiency or success—it’s about cultivating a culture that aligns with God’s purposes. David was established as king because of his obedience and his responsibility for God’s people. In turn, God established through him an eternal kingdom, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Following Jesus is not just about individual morality and goodness. It’s not simply about getting to heaven and living a good life. It’s about taking on the mantle of the kingdom as an ambassador. When God entrusts us with an institution, a business, or any form of leadership, He is entrusting us to reflect the kingdom of God and the leadership of the King. In the Old Testament, David gives us a powerful example. In the New Testament, we have the perfect picture of our King, Jesus. Imitate Jesus in your daily life as leaders, being faithful to the Father as He entrusts us with people to build up and bless.

Let’s be faithful stewards. Let’s build people. Let’s shape culture. Let’s lead with the kingdom in head, heart, and hands.