When it comes to Christians doing business, inevitably, at some point or another, a conflict of interest arises, things that disturb the conscience, is it right or is it wrong? The conscience questions itself, tearing the Christian apart with inner turmoil. There are always lingering doubts, did I do it God’s way? Am I being true to my faith? How will I be judged as a result of my actions? Will others see me as a hypocrite?
In today’s cutthroat business world, where the line between good and evil is thin, one wonders if it is possible for a Christian to be a good businessman without compromising faith and morals. The tactics employed by the world make almost anything legal, but for the Christian this has only made it difficult to make decisions. What was dishonest, dirty and unacceptable only a few years ago has become praiseworthy today. Just take a look at the language used today and the movies being shown, what was disgusting and inappropriate has now become the norm and it is in this world that we as Christians have to make a living without compromising Our values.
A young man who had just entered the business world once told me that he could not do business without taking off his Christian jacket. The implication of these words was that he could not do business without cheating, lying or stealing. If, during the course of your life, you have seen a mentor or someone you respect do business (and I use the word reserved here) cheating, lying, or stealing, then you will naturally think that it is okay to use the same ones. methods. I used the word ‘business’ with reserve in the sentence above because I don’t think cheating, lying, and stealing is business. These things are an affront to most entrepreneurs, these things are sin. I want to clarify here, that making profit is not a sin because it is written:
Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to benefit, who guides you in the way you should walk. (Isaiah 48:17)
The Lord will not teach us to sin. The Bible is full of people, holy and righteous people of God who were won over to keep doing business and making a profit. Abraham was a successful farmer, soldier, and businessman. Job too. Solomon sent ships to trade and barter in foreign lands, including importing chariots from Egypt, Israel’s traditional enemy. Business should not be left in the hands of a wicked few, but everyone can and should participate.
When Elisha multiplied the widow’s oil and all the containers were filled, we read what he said:
Then he came and told the man of God. And he said: Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your children live on others (2 Kings 4: 7).
In other words, make money and withdraw.
In the New Testament we read of Matthew and Zacchaeus, both successful tax collectors, and of Paul, a manufacturer and shopkeeper. Then there’s also Lydia, a purple cloth vendor.
Tax collection was a type of franchise purchased from the Roman authorities, but most tax collectors in the time of Jesus were viewed as dishonest ‘cheats’ by the general public, but this had more to do with the form in which the tax collection business was conducted. done in place of the business itself. Jesus, who spoke to and visited the tax collectors, had no conviction for their business, in fact, he praised Zacchaeus for his decision to be honest in his dealings. Tax collection was a necessary occupation, as was the military and politicking.
If we read Proverbs 31, one of the things that makes a wife virtuous is her ability to do business.
You consider a field and buy it; with the fruit of his hands he plants a vineyard. (Pro.31: 16)
And again:
She makes fine linen and sells it; and gives belts to the merchant. (Pro. 31:24)
When it comes to business and profit, it is not so much the “what” (yes, there are certain businesses to avoid) but the “how” that causes concern. Living in the gray area between good and evil is not enough, we must be firm in our choice to be Christian, regardless of the business implications it may have. God, in His wisdom, has given us guidelines in His Word about how we should do business, what businesses should be avoided, and what the consequences will be if we transgress His law.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, filth, lust,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, anger, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envy, murder, drunkenness, jubilation and the like: from what I told you before, as I have also told you in the past, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5: 19-21)
Anything that encourages any of the above should be avoided at all costs. In his prayer for a successful life, Jabes prayed:
And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying: May you bless me and expand my territory, and your hand be with me, and keep me from evil, so that I do not grieve! ! And God granted what he asked for. (1 Chron. 4:10)
Jabes asked God to protect him from evil so that he would not cause pain to others, and God did what he asked.
And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me.
But anyone who trips one of these little ones who believe in me had better have a millstone hung around his neck and drowned in the deep sea.
Woe to the world for offenses! because it is necessary for offenses to come; but woe to that man for whom the offense comes! (Matthew 18: 5-7)
In your business dealings, do not allow any child or person to suffer any harm, as you will be responsible.
In Habakkuk there is a list of things that could get in the way of godly business, things to avoid, even if it means missing out on a good deal.
And also, because he goes astray with wine, he is a proud man, who does not keep at home, who enlarges his desires like hell, and is like death and cannot be satisfied, but gathers all nations to himself, and he gathers together all the peoples for him. . (Hab. 2: 5)
There is no bigger trap for a businessman than pride. Pride led to the downfall of the prince of angels. It led to the downfall of King Saul and Nebuchadnezzar, clouds judgment and stifles wisdom, leaving you vulnerable and at the mercy of the enemy.
Will not all these raise a parable against him, and a mocking proverb against him, and say: Woe to him who increases what is not his! how long? and who is loaded with thick clay (Hab. 2: 6)
Along with pride, we can place unpaid debts as another reason for the failure of entrepreneurs. ‘Clay’ refers to oaths or promises to pay debts and Iou’s that in those days were written in clay, and ‘thick mud’ refers to an abundance of debts that accumulate and are not paid.
Woe to him who lusts after the evil lust of his house, to set up his nest, to be freed from the power of evil! (Hab. 2: 9)
Along with unpaid debts comes greed, an urge to earn as much as possible so that one can, through wealth, obtain a position of power. Wealth becomes a source of security, as Proverbs 18:11 says: Wealth becomes your city behind the walls of which you will feel safe. As Christian entrepreneurs, our security is in the Lord.
A strong tower is the name of the LORD; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)
Woe to him who builds a city with blood, and establishes a city with iniquity! (Hab. 2:12)
After greed comes contempt for others. Building a business with the blood of others will have consequences. Your methods will determine your result. Jesus warned:
Then Jesus said to him: Return your sword to its place, because all who take the sword will perish by the sword. (Matthew 26:52)
There is always someone stronger or more ruthless than you. Your business approach will determine their approach to you.
Woe to him who gives his neighbor drink, who puts your skin on him and also makes him drunk, so that you can see his nakedness! (Room 2:15)
Cheating and cheating speaks of theft, not business. Forcing people into situations, whether through alcohol, coercion or blackmail, speaks of someone who cannot do the right thing, who cannot be an entrepreneur. ‘Help one another,’ the apostle Paul tells us, and He will help you.
Opportunities abound, we just have to be on the lookout for them. Do your business within God’s parameters, and He will send you people, those who need your help and those who can help you. Certainly within most congregations there are people who can and will help you. Just keep your focus on God. He is the one who ‘teaches us to profit’, who blesses and rewards.
Do not be fooled; God cannot be mocked: because whatever man sows, he will also reap. (Galatians 6: 7)
The rewards you earn are up to you.
Doing business is not the problem. As Christians, we must remember that we are subject to a higher law than that of the world. We carry a name higher than ours. That said, we must not be naive in our dealings. The world will take advantage of any unsuspecting and unsuspecting ‘do-gooder’ quite easily and without a second thought. Business is business and that means making a profit. Pay attention to the words of Jesus:
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be therefore wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16)