The purpose of a business
by Crown Financial Ministries

Many Christians say they have a Christian business, but what does that mean? A Christian business is one that is controlled by a Christian. The more control this Christian has, the more the business can reflect his or her spiritual values.

Prioritising the Christian business
Clearly, a Christian in business can be used by the Lord but only if the correct priorities have been established. One key to being useful to the Lord is to make decisions on the basis of God’s Word and not on circumstances, feelings, or what is acceptable to society.

One of the priorities of a business should be to lead others to the Lord. However, if all other functions are ignored in pursuit of evangelism, the work will be short-lived. Therefore, the priorities of a business boil down to this: "What are my goals and can my goals be balanced to achieve the overall objectives of serving God while meeting material needs?"

Goal 1: Salvation
When the primary thrust of a businessperson's outreach is to ensure that others within his or her sphere of influence hear the promises of Jesus Christ, a whole new perspective takes place.

God prepares hearts through the Holy Spirit and then provides the opportunity to share in a meaningful way.

Goal 2: Use of funds
Proverbs 3:9 says, "Honor the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce." It is God's promise that by honouring Him outwardly (materially) before the world, He will in turn honour us. The first fruits from any business should be surrendered in the name of the Lord.

The second use of funds from a business is to pay employees fairly. To people, authority and position mean power and wealth. To God they mean responsibility. A Christian businessperson who seeks to serve the Lord will have to accept that the economic rewards of doing business will also belong to those faithful employees who helped to build the business.

The third use of funds is to pay suppliers and creditors on time. There is no poorer witness than a business that is consistently delinquent on accounts. It is the responsibility of every Christian to budget wisely and live on surplus funds, not accounts payable. "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,' when you have it with you" (Proverbs 3:27-28).

Goal 3: Discipleship
Once the goals for witnessing and the use of money have been determined, the next goal is to disciple those who have been won to the Lord. The same principles that have become a part of your life should be ingrained within them. "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2).

Therefore, it is vital to make a sound discipleship program available. This can be accomplished by written materials, audios, or videos, but an essential part is personal follow-up and accountability.

Does all of this sound difficult and time consuming? No doubt about it and that's why most businesses seldom operate God's way. The first step is to start with one or two who are truly seeking God's best. Once they are trained, they can help train others.

Conclusion
Although it's true that one essential element of a Christian business is profit, it is not the most important element. The purpose of any Christian, in business or otherwise, is to glorify God. "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men" (Colossians 3:23).