| Issue 11 - May 2005
Minding Your Christian Business
Michael A. Verdicchio I recently saw part of a television show about the impact Christianity is having in business and at the work place. It seems that a lot of Christians are not afraid to let it be known that they are a 'Christian' business. At one of our local Christian bookstores they have a directory of local products and services, all provided by Christians. It would certainly be a blessing to have a Christian provide a product or a service, but only if that service or product is at least as good as, or, even better than a product or service from a 'non-Christian' business. Let me explain. I get my hair cut by a Christian lady. She has cut my hair for a number of years. It's nice to be able to talk about different spiritual things while she snips away. But, I do not have her cut my hair because she is a Christian! I have her cut my hair because she does a good job and I like what she does. Now if she started doing a sloppy job should I continue to have her cut my hair just because she is a Christian? I would not! I need someone to cut my hair that does a good job to the end that I am satisfied. If a Christian can provide that service for me, that's great! So if more and more Christians are letting it be known that they are a 'Christian' business, then they ought to make sure that their products and services are at the highest level! Colossians 3:23:
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men How does God get any glory if 'Christian' businesses provide lousy products and services? How does that represent Christ? Shouldn't a 'Christian' business seek to excel at whatever product or service they provide so that God gets the glory? Genesis 39:2 - 6
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. The Lord made all that which Joseph did to prosper. Joseph didn't just sit around, he worked hard and allowed God to bless his work and prosper him. Even though he was a slave, he excelled over all the other slaves and ended up running Potiphar's entire household. Eventually he ended up running the country of Egypt ! How was it that Daniel managed to keep his government job for so many, many years, even with changes in administrations? He worked for pagan dictators! Did he keep his position because when someone sneezed he said, 'God bless you'? God's Word tells us that in everything that Daniel did no one could find any fault with him! He applied himself to do his best and God blessed him. He continued to excel at his job, and God blessed him. If a business is going to let everyone know, either by their name, or a symbol, that it is a 'Christian' business, then they ought to strive to be the very best at what they do, and strive to be better than any one else in that field! With God's help every Christian business can excel far beyond any 'non-Christian' business. And why not?? God Almighty is our Father! He wishes above all things that we prosper and be in health even as our soul prospers! Those with a Christian business need to work heartily as unto the Lord and provide the best that they can. They need to continue to improve in what they provide. Pray and ask God for help, wisdom, and direction. And one more thing - Christians need to stop taking advantage of other Christians! Once while I was getting my hair cut, we were talking about how some Christians expect a 'discount' from other Christians. This happens a lot in Christianity today! Now, I love to give and bless people, when it is my decision. But for a Christian to expect another Christian to give them a 'believer discount' is not walking in the love of God. The lady that cuts my hair told me that a number of people from her Church expect her to cut their hair for less money than she normally charges. To expect something like that is not walking in the love of God, but rather it is taking advantage of one another! Doesn't God's Word talk about being especially good to the household of faith? Didn't Jesus Christ say that all men would know that we are his disciples by the love we have one for another? How is it love for me to shortchange my brother or sister? Now I know there are many times that Christians bless and give to others. And we ought to - but we should never be forced to, or made to feel guilty if we don't give! If a Christian brother makes his living as an auto mechanic, is it loving for me to ask him to fix my car for less money than he normally charges? Worse yet, is it loving for me to ask him to fix my car during his free time, and do it for me for little or no pay, just because I am his brother in Christ? Again, there is nothing wrong with blessing others, helping others, giving to others, etc. But to expect other Christians to provide products and services for little or nothing is taking advantage of each other. Part of the reason this is so prevalent in Christianity today is because of a lack of trusting God for prosperity. God has promised in His Word to supply! In fact, in many places He has promised to give us over and beyond! If more Christians would believe what God's Word says about prosperity, they would have abundance! They wouldn't need to shortchange their brothers and sisters in Christ. We really ought to pay our Christian brothers and sisters at least what they charges, and even more! Why? If the quality it top notch, why wouldn't you want someone with the love of God to provide you products and services? We ought to place a higher value on that kind of service from our brothers and sisters. That's why I always give a tip to the lady who cuts my hair. I don't go there because she is a Christian - I go because she does a very good job and I'm satisfied. I give her more than she asks, because she cuts my hair with love in her heart. We need to treat our brothers and sisters with love and respect and not take advantage of them. At our jobs, we ought to excel at what we do - let the world see what a real Christian worker is all about! Allow God to work within you so that you can excel. And, those Christians who have a business ought to strive to be the best in their field so as to bring glory and honor to our God and Father. Operate the business with honesty and integrity. And, expect to receive the prosperity and abundance that God has promised every Christian believer. |