5 Crucial Marks of Faithful Christians in Business

Have you ever made so many copies of copies of something that you eventually end up with a copy that barely resembles the original? Sometimes that is the way I think we can be as Christians – even Christians in business. Maybe we model ourselves after someone else who has modeled themselves after someone else. Eventually, we lose our resemblance to the original – Jesus!

Christians In Business

Years ago, I heard a relevant quote from someone who has since become a good friend of mine. He did not claim to be the first to say it, but I first heard it from him. He said, “Jesus created the church the way He wanted it and now He wants it the way He created it.” In other words, we have drifted from the original model given us by Jesus. You have probably seen the same concept played out in the business world.

When it comes to being faithful Christians in business, who should be our model? How should we pattern ourselves? Obviously Jesus is our ultimate model, but I believe I have a good idea of another model we can learn from as well. While I am not aware of any Christian businesses specifically described in the Bible, we do have enough detailed information about the early church. In fact, I would suggest we model after those who were the first to be called Christians!

Pattern After Antioch

Sure, they did not run a business, but I think you can see the parallels. For our Scripture basis, we will follow the description of those first called Christians at Antioch. You can find this description in Acts 11:19-30.

I believe the following 5 marks of those first called Christians will serve us well as we try to find a model to follow. While this is certainly not an exhaustive list, it certainly covers the critical basics. Take a look and see which of these are true of you today. Don’t ignore those marks that are not true of you today – correct them!

Mark #1 – Share The Good News

(Acts 11:19-20) – Not too long after Stephen was stoned for his faith in Jesus, believers scattered throughout the surrounding areas. Most of these believers spoke the message of Jesus only to the Jews. However, those that made it as far as Antioch began to preach to the non-Jews. They wanted everyone to know the good news! God was faithful and blessed their efforts.

Too often, we see our own tight, personal circles as the only audience for discussions concerning our faith. I believe we have the unique opportunity as Christians in business to share the good news with everyone we can influence. This starts with our employees, includes our customers, and reaches even into our communities. Each group requires different methods, but all need to hear the good news…from us!

Mark #2 – Believe In Jesus And Turn To Him

(Acts 11:21-22) – As God blessed the efforts of those first witnesses, large numbers of people in Antioch believed in Jesus and turned to Him. What does this actually mean – turning to Him? I believe it indicates they trusted Him for guidance, provision, and reward. They did not place their hope elsewhere, but only in Him.

As Christians in business, we are tempted (even taught) to place our hope and trust in growth, profit, and financial rewards. The world tells us to follow the path of riches, fame, and power. If we are to model ourselves after the original Christians, we are to turn to Jesus. Belief is not enough. Our trust and hope for the future should lie in Him and Him only. Does it?

Mark #3 – Encourage Each Other

(Acts 11:23-24) – When Barnabas came from Jerusalem and saw all that was happening there at Antioch, he was quick to encourage them to remain true to their resolve. Barnabas was well-known for his encouragement to other brothers in Christ. His encouragement led to even greater numbers joining the believers there.

This principle is no different for Christians in business. We need encouragement. Others around us need encouragement. If we want to follow the pattern of those first Christians, we must get in the habit of encouraging our fellow believers – even those not in our daily path. Encourage those in your workplace, but also reach out and encourage brothers in Christ that are outside your immediate circles. They need it as much as you do!

Mark #4 – Devoted To His Word

(Acts 11:25-26) – Barnabas was wise enough to know that encouragement was good, but would not be enough to fully strengthen the Christians there at Antioch. He searched for Saul (later named Paul) because he knew the depth of education and spiritual maturity he would bring to the believers there. He brought Saul to Antioch and they taught the Christians for a whole year. Those believers were devoted to learning all they could about Jesus’ teachings.

Are we any different? Do we need less teaching than they did? I don’t think so. I believe Christians in business have the same need for devotion to God’s Word as those first believers. We should have it available in our businesses and we should be modeling our devotion to it with our employees, customers, and community. We need the maturity that develops with a devotion to the teachings of Jesus.

Mark #5 – Help Those In Need

(Acts 11:27-30) – As you would expect out of a group of sincere followers of Jesus, the Christians at Antioch were generous. They heard of a need concerning their fellow believers in Judea and quickly decided to give according to their ability. Keep in mind, these were mostly non-Jewish Christians giving to Jewish Christians. This was a big deal!

This might be one area where most Christians in business feel they are already excelling. I would just encourage you to carefully assess your giving. Are you doing it to gain awareness for the business or simply to meet needs around you? Does your giving from the business mostly consist of charitable sponsorships that include marketing benefits for the business? Where are you giving sacrificially? How are you helping those who are not like you or might be far away?

How do these 5 marks strike you as a model for Christians in business?

Where do you see you need the most improvement to resemble this model?

Are you encouraged by any of these marks?

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