This post is the fourth in a series of posts that come from the material I recently used in a presentation I made to a small group of Christian business owners and leaders in Chandigarh, India.
The focus of this material is also the focus of this blog – God’s call for us to run our businesses as a platform for Christian ministry.
Hopefully, after reading this series of posts, you will agree that it is God’s will that we run His businesses as stewards with an eternal perspective. You should also have a better understanding of what a Christian business looks like in today’s marketplace.
What Does The Bible Say?
Anytime we want to determine the heart of God, the first place to start is with His Word. If He has already said it, then we are in no position to question it.
Reason #1: The Great Commission
After Jesus was crucified and resurrected, He appeared to the disciples. Just before ascending into heaven, Jesus gave them their marching orders through what is called the Great Commission below. I believe these are our marching orders as well.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, even to the end of the earth. – Matthew 28:19-20
We are all, as Christians, commanded to go to the nations and make disciples. This is not a suggestion or a request. It is a command. This does not mean that we are all to sell our possessions and move overseas to be missionaries. There are plenty of opportunities to make disciples right here where we are. We just have to look around.
Reason #2: Ambassadors For Christ
Let’s continue to see what Scripture has to say. Take a look at this verse from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. – 2 Corinthians 5:20-21
As you likely know, ambassadors have a job that requires them to be proactive. They are to live in a foreign land, learn the culture, and represent their king or government to the foreign people. They are not to move to the foreign country and remain quiet about the desires of their king. Neither are we!
As Christian business owners and leaders, we are to live and work in this culture, but we are to recognize that this is not our home. We are to represent our King to the people of this culture. This certainly includes those in the workplace!
Reason #3: Walking As Jesus Did
Finally, I want you to look at the following verse from 1 John. I think this is just as clear as the verses above!
Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. – 1 John 2:6
I don’t think this is referring to walking in sandals. My take on this verse is that we are to walk according to the Father’s will, no matter what we are doing. I believe this applies to our businesses as much as it applies to every other part of our lives.
If you believe that Scripture is God’s Word and that, as followers of Christ, we are to obey that Word, then I do not see silence in business as an option for us. We simply must do as we are commanded and Go!
Icing on the Cake: Barna Research
According to a recent survey by George Barna and his research group, almost 40% of American adults are classified as “unchurched,” meaning they have not attended a conventional church more than once in the past year. Even worse, only 15% of adults surveyed considered their faith in God as their top priority in life! It appears the field is ripe for making disciples and being ambassadors right where we are!
The Christian Business Opportunity
For typical business leaders, most of our time is allocated to our work. We carve out some for family and leave a little left over for church on Sunday. While some Christian business leaders may buck this trend, they are in the minority. That being the case, does it not make sense to fulfill the Great Commission exactly where we spend most of our time – in our business?
What better way for us as Christian business leaders to reach those people (customers and employees) than through our business? If we exercise and example our love for God through the way we run our business, maybe we can connect with them in a way (and in an environment) they have not found in a church.
Have you considered your responsibility to make disciples?
Do you see opportunity in your business to impact others in this way?
What are your obstacles to doing this?
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