More Than Just A Label: Finding Christ In The Christian Business Opportunity

Does a Christian have to live in poverty to emulate Christ? Evangelical Christians are moving away from the illusion that they must live in poverty to practice godly living. In fact, many are seeking Christian business opportunities so they can help finance their ministry and other social justice endeavors that cannot generate their own income. In the process, unfortunately, many are also forgetting the importance of good business sense when seeking out a legitimate Christian business opportunity. Furthermore, swindlers are using whatever means possible to lure such naïvely thinking individuals into their web which benefits only the conman. So what should a Christian ask himself if he plans on seeking out a Christian business opportunity?

Asking three specific questions will help the good-hearted believer determine whether or not he should seek a given so-called Christian business opportunity.

First, does the product honor Christ? Evangelical believers believe in two major commandments: honor the Lord your God with all your heart mind, soul, and strength; and honor your neighbor as yourself. Based on this single commandment, the evangelical believer must not only believe in his product, but he must believe that it honors Christ. A list of specific products is irrelevant, because honestly the business person must determine based on his own judgment, consultation with other believers, and a comparison of the product with what the Bible says. Obviously the Bible will not say whether to sell a specific product, but it will give guidelines which a believer should use to help him make a rational decision.

Second, do the methods used to sell the product honor Christ? Can a believer do his job faithfully and walk away knowing that his methods of production, marketing, or general sales do not conflict with his personal beliefs? If so, then he has found a great opportunity. Furthermore, if he can introduce and sell his product to other believers, he has found a great business. If he can find a way for his business to make the world a better place, to honor God with their methods and their product, then he has found a great business opportunity.

Finally, does the business reflect Christ in all of its dealings? Are there any areas that others could consider shady? If so, are they? If an individual has to do anything dishonest to advance his business, he should reconsider the Christian label attached to the Christian business opportunity. He must practice great caution, however, in maintaining an aura of integrity with his business. Honesty is key. The so-called "Christian" business opportunity should emulate Christ in its methods and its product.

An individual does not have to peddle Bibles door to door to participate in a Christian business opportunity. We must consider exactly what "Christian" means when we say that we have found a great "Christian" business opportunity. In the New Testament church, the term "Christian" referred to Christ follower. Today it refers to just about anyone who believes in the existence of God, regardless of his or her moral beliefs. We need to go back to the original meaning of this word. If a person claims to have a Christian business opportunity, he should make sure that his business opportunity truly does honor Christ.