Q:
I run a small business with about a dozen employees. I became a Christian about two years ago and I want to run my business according to Christian principles but I'm not sure exactly what that means. Any suggestions?
A:
I’m grateful for your concern, and I wish more Christians who are in business shared it. When Jesus Christ comes into our lives He wants to influence everything we do — including our jobs or business.
Certainly one principle the Bible gives us is to do everything with honesty and integrity, both in our business and in our personal lives. “Use honest scales and honest weights,” the Old Testament law declared (Leviticus 19:36). Don’t cheat or take shortcuts in your business; keep your promises; be truthful in all you do. Not only will it help your business in the long run, but it will bring honor to Christ. The Bible says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful” (Proverbs 12:22).
In addition, treat your employees the same way you would want to be treated. The Bible says, “Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven” (Colossians 4:1). Thankfully slavery is a thing of the past for us — but the underlying principle still stands: If we are employers or supervisors, we are to do what is right and fair to those who work under us.
Finally, be on guard against letting money or success take the place of God. Jesus warned, “You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24). Greed is very dangerous, and it easily creeps in if we don’t guard against it.