Using Your Money Wisely: Biblical Principles Under Scrutiny

There are five basic business function that together constitute the activities of a Christian business. Function 1: Evangelism. There is no toll more effective for evangelism than a business dedicated to the lord. Not only can employees be won by a dedicated owner or manager, but, similarly, so can suppliers, creditors and customers. The key here is the walk, not the talk. Function 2: Discipleship. Evangelism is sharing Christ's message of salvation with the lost. Discipleship is training Christians to grow stronger in their faith. In a business, that effort should be directed by the owner or manager to those immediately under his authority. It is they who will then be able to disciple the others under their authority. "And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also" (2Timothy 2:2). Function3: To fund God's work. A business is the best tool for funding God's work ever created. A property run business can generate excess capital to meet needs, share the gospel, and still continue its operations day-by-day. There are many creative ways to use such funds to further God's work. Obviously, giving to your church and to ministries is good and necessary to do God's work, but there are many ministries available within the business itself. For instance, several Christian businessmen have hired full-time counselors who work with employees who have personal problems. Function4: Provide for needs. A business must provide for the needs of the employees, creditors, customers, and owners. That is done by paying salaries, paying for supplies and equipment in a timely fashion, and providing a quality product at a fair price. In our modern business environment, the principle seems to be meet the owner's needs, wants, and desires first, then pay the employees what is necessary to keep them off his back. Many creditors are paid late, or not at all, and the customers are viewedas a necessary evil. If a Christian business owner accepts meeting needs as a normal part of God's plan, his business will play an effective role in evangelism and discipleship. Function5: To generate profits. Any business must be able to make a profit if it is to continue operations. Sometimes Christians seem to believe that God will bless them supernaturally, while they ignore every pretense of good management. If you believe that, you haven't studied God's Word very thoroughly. God's Word directs us to think and plan. "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9)