Christian Business

The heart of Christian business is very different to many worldly business practices. For the believer, business is much more than a way to make money. It is a stewardship of God-given abilities, talents, and resources for the advancement of the kingdom of God. Accordingly, business is an expression of the believer’s unique sonship as they walk in the works prepared for them by the Father.

We should ask, what is unique about a ‘Christian business’? A Christian business, like a Christian home, is identified by the principles of sanctified Christian living. ‘Sanctification’, or separation from the world and its self-centered principles for gain, is the unique defining factor of Christian business practice.

The world will often use methods to conquer or exploit others in pursuit of the dollar. A Christian business operates through the sanctified methods of one whose call and work is firstly to belong to Christ and His body, and then to work as a Christian in business. While a business must make money, a Christian businessman is motivated towards the generation of provision for the house of the Lord and His people, and his work is a harmonious part of the whole of his life’s call to belong to Christ.

This understanding helps us to define a business as uniquely Christian. It is possible for a Christian to blur lines of accountability in relation to his business, and for it to become ‘para-church’. We would all agree that a Christian’s business must never become a ‘para-church’ organization. This kind of organization often appears to function as a minichurch, with its own structure of esteem or experience based authority.

It is possible to define a business as ‘Christian’ if the business is the expression of a person’s calling, and it is operated according to sanctified principles. In the situation where we see a Christian and a non-Christian in business together, the question arises as to whether this is a Christian or a secular business. If the sanctifying lines are not clear, then we certainly can not call it a Christian business.

Positively stated, we make the point that the lines of sanctification define whether a business is Christian or not. If it is a Christian business, then those who are accountable for the direction of the business have a heart to do the work of God. They will have a heart that is not selffocused, but is seeking after righteousness and increase for the kingdom. The fruitfulness of the business is proven in the fruitfulness of the person’s life, for the benefit of the family and the body of Christ. This fruit will be the evidence of a Christian business operating within the lines of sanctification.

Victor Hall

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Feature Articles
April 2008

Nothing is Impossible

The Calves of our Lips

Blind Guides

The Light of the World

Found Worthy

Seven Kingdoms

Christian Business