What does the Bible say business is based on?
There are three biblical principles that stand out that define a Christian business.
First is integrity. Integrity is about Christ-centered living. It is about doing what is right rather than what is expedient. The organization with integrity will make its business decisions based on the standards and principles of God — righteousness, truth, and honesty. That is, there is congruency between what the organization verbalizes and what it practices. No one can point a finger at such a company and justifiably cry out, “Hypocrite!” Socrates (469–399 BC) declared, “The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.” A Christian business is the epitome of integrity. This means “we are who we say we are.”
Second is a commitment to excellence. “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” Titus 3:8
If an organization is to be recognized as an exemplary one, one whose goal is to glorify God through its commitment to excellence in its service and product, it must always honor God and be thoroughly cognizant of its role and mission in a pagan world. Such an organization never forgets that God has called them to be His witness to the lost world in which they do business.
When business organizations commit themselves to the pursuit of excellence, they exalt the Word of God. They also demonstrate God’s power to transform lives, not only through their employees but with their customers as well.
Finally, a Christian business should have a commitment to its people. This includes the area of fair compensation, performance recognition, and providing growth opportunities, both professionally and personally. It has been determined that organizations that recognize the needs of their people and create opportunities for them to fulfill those needs are able to bring out the very best in them. The apostle Paul indirectly addressed relationships between employers and employees. To those who work for someone else, Paul gave this command:
“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:22–24
Then to employers, “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven” Colossians 4:1
Paul gave this command to employers because, just as their employees report to them, they themselves have someone to report to — their Master in heaven. Employers could hardly expect to be treated fairly by God if they failed to treat their employees fairly. Paul’s remarks concerning the employee/employer relationship involve the mutual submission of employees to their employers and vice versa. Employees, too, are to treat their employers with respect and..
“Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” Ephesians 6:6
In all things, for both employers and employees, Christ should be the model for Christian business, because He was known to be a man of integrity, even among His enemies.
“And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.” Matthew 22:16
