Operating a Business by the Book

Do you own a business?

A business owner must establish his or her proper identity. Start with an honest answer to these questions: Are you a business owner practicing Christianity? Or are you a Christian practicing business? There’s a profound difference between these choices. In the first, your identity is in the world; in the latter, it’s firmly fixed on the world to come. Christians need to recognize that we’re merely temporary managers of God’s businesses. Everything belongs to Him, and He’s the source of it all. David prayed in 1 Chronicles 29:11–12: “Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from you alone, and you are the ruler of all mankind. Your hand controls power and might, and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength.”

The policies governing a business’s actions reveal whether it’s actually being used to serve God. Owners and managers who operate a business as His stewards, run the business according to His principles and precepts. This requires an understanding of those principles and precepts so that business decisions will yield God’s wisdom and peace. The purpose of businesses run by Christians is to glorify God. Every decision, from hiring to firing, to paying to promoting, must be made in harmony with Scripture under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Each must be done with excellence and integrity.

A lack of understanding of Biblical financial principles can lead to credit card debt. Christian Credit Counselors can create a debt management plan specifically for you. For more information visit online at crown.org/ccc.