Interesting Lessons on Business and the Church from D.C. 124

In D.C. 124 the Saints in Nauvoo are commanded to build a temple and a hotel (house for the entertainment of strangers and visitors). The Lord appoints certain members to be in charge of gathering investors for the house. A few rules are stipulated:

1) Stock isn't given on loan; you get your stock when you pay for it

2) You must pay between $50 and $15,000; no more than $15,000 (probably so no one has too much control over it or too much risk by investing too much) and no less than $50 (a minimum number)

3) Those appointed to control the money invested for the house cannot use the money for any other purpose; if they do they have to pay the investor 4x the amount of money the person originally gave or those appointed will be removed from their place (certainly that position, possibly also from the church; it's unclear)

4) Joseph Smith has the same rules as everyone else; he can invest between $50 and $15K

The rules are interesting and speak to some principles.

Don't do business on credit. Relationships are too easily ruined by putting people in tough situations.

Be prudent with your investments. The Lord wouldn't even allow too much investment in his own ideas. Interesting...

The Lord takes honesty in business dealings very seriously. It is not okay to lie or misuse funds. There's a temple recommend question about that and Bishops are excommunicated immediately for misappropriating tithing funds.

The prophet has the same rules as others in regards to financial matters. I love this. This is certainly in contrast to corporations where the leaders have huge advantages in terms of investment options and stock grants.

I love this book.