January 16, 2026

Business by the Book

Genesis 19:16  And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

Let’s recap. The Lord pronounced destruction of a region in which Abraham’s nephew, Lot, lived. Abraham negotiated with the Lord an agreement wherein the people would be spared if ten righteous souls could be found. From Scripture we know that Lot had at least eight members of his family in this city, and quite possibly could have had more than ten. Perhaps that is why Abraham stopped the negotiation at ten righteous souls; he assumed that all of Lot’s family members were righteous.

Nonetheless, destruction was on its way. However, in a great gesture of grace, honor, and mercy the Lord chose to spare Lot, his wife, and his two unmarried daughters. The Lord gave Abraham more than he negotiated. The Lord gave Abraham that which he agreed to “and then some.” 

These three words, “and then some,” can make the difference in having a career or having just a job. “And then some” type of individuals give those with whom they enter into a relationship more than what’s required. Consider a newly hired employee that earns $20 an hour. If that new employee consistently, and over a prolonged period of time, gives $25 an hour worth of work, they will always be employed. Why, because any employer would love to get $25 an hour worth of work for $20 an hour. It’s a good deal. All because the employee gave the employer that which they bargained for “and then some.” This illustration is oversimplified to illustrate the point.

If a negotiation for a new car is complete with no promise of a free tank of fuel and free car washes for a year, and when the customer takes delivery of the vehicle the salesman states that the dealership filled their new vehicle up with fuel, and that they have given them twelve vouchers for no charge car washes for a year what would be the response of the customer? The customer would be appreciative, loyal, and feel as though they got a “good deal.”  What would that type of service really cost the dealership? Each time the customer comes for a car wash the dealership can check the car out for warranty service, accessories, and at the least the sales person can make twelve quick visits with the customer in order to strengthen their relationship. The customer will buy other vehicles throughout the years and may refer friends to the dealership as well. The dealership can give “and then some” and benefit.

What about a pastor, a wife, a husband, a teenager still living in their parents’ home, a business manager, the CPA, the politician, the beautician, the mortician and all the other “-ticians” out there. Give that which is committed “and then some” and strong, mutually beneficial relationships will be established; all because you practiced “and then some.”

Dr. William Howe