Was one of your goals this year to start a new business? Perhaps you already own your own business, but things aren’t going so well. Maybe you own your own business, and things are going great. Regardless of what “stage” your business is going through, it is essential to run your business in an honest and Godly manner. It is also crucial for us to pray for wisdom in our business. Let’s pray.
A Prayer for Your Business
Dear Lord,
You know that my business is my passion. Please help me to run it in an efficient and godly manner. I ask that you give me wisdom where I need it and to lead me in the changes on the road ahead. I invite you to speak to me when I’m not sure what to do next and to give me comfort when there are trials. Give me the discernment to hear your voice clearly.
Please help me to serve my customers and clients with a heart like yours. I want them to see Your light in me every time they interact with me or step foot into my business. Help me to stand by my faith and values in my business if I come across controversy and stay steadfast in You.
In Your Name Jesus, I pray.
Amen.
What Does the Bible Say about Business?
The Bible says that work ethics start at home. What we teach our children about work including attendance, being on time, and working as if working for the Lord makes a significant impact on what kind of employees or even business leaders they will be in the future.
“Direct your children on the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” -Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)
As Christians, we are to conduct ourselves in a Godly manner on the job. We are not to compromise our workplaces or our work ethics in any way, even the little things. In not conducting ourselves in a Godly way on the job, we open ourselves to the influence of the enemy, even in the little things. These things are so small that we barely recognize them or feel guilty about our actions.
10 Bible Verses about Business
1. “God comes to those who give generously and conduct their business fairly.” -Psalm 112:5 (NLT)
2. “You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day, you must stop working. This gives your ox and your donkey a chance to rest. It also allows the slaves and foreigners living among you to be refreshed.” -Exodus 23:12 (NLT)
3. “The Lord has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsman and designers.” -Exodus 35:35 (NLT)
4. “Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. Do not make your hired workers wait to the next day to receive their pay.” -Leviticus 19:13
5. “You must use accurate scales when you weigh out merchandise, and you must use full and honest measures. Yes, always use honest weights and measures, so that you may enjoy the long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” -Deuteronomy 25:13-15 (NLT)
6. “If I have been unfair to my male or female servants when they brought their complaints to me, how could I face God? What could I say when he questioned me?” -Job 31:13-14 (NLT)
7. “Lazy people are soon poor, hard workers get rich.” -Proverbs 10:4 (NLT)
8. “The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights.” -Proverbs 11:1 (NLT)
9. “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.” -Proverbs 13:4 (NLT)
10. “Wealth from get quick rich schemes quickly disappears, wealth from hard work grows over time.” -Proverbs 13:11 (NLT)
How Should Christians Interact with Business?
Christian leaders should work hand in hand with their employees and be an example. In basing their business on Christian principles and standards, they create a just and fair environment for all. In holding their employees to these principals and rules, they are able to ensure an honest work ethic. And they are able to deal with any problems that may arise.
Christian leaders in business should act with integrity. Decisions should be made on godly standards, like trust and honesty. In serving this way, there is no mistake about your mission statement or where your business stands. You are who you say you are. Christian leaders should hold a commitment to excellence.
Titus 3:8 says, “This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.” (NLT) This means that with a business owners commitment to excellence and in them obeying God’s word they will exalt the Lord.
Christian Business Owners Need to Lead by Example
Christian business owners should also have a commitment to their employees and the people they serve. This means paying their employees a fair wage, recognizing their hard work and accomplishments, and giving them opportunities to grow and prosper both professionally and personally. This will bring out the best in their employees. As for their clients, they should treat them fairly, listen to their needs, and provide the solutions to those needs. Christian businesses should treat their employees like family and not just another body on the payroll. They should treat their customers and clients in the same way.
In Bible times, Paul told business owners, “Masters be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a master-in heaven.” Colossians 4:1 (NLT). In saying this, he commanded that employers treat their employees fairly because one day they will have to answer to their Father in heaven. By showing respect, trust, honesty, and integrity Christian businesses can make a significant impact in the world. Whether you are a Christian business leader or a Christian working in the business world, let your light shine for all around you to see.
Carrie Lowrance is a writer and author. Her work has been featured on Huffington Post, The Penny Hoarder, Young Modern Money and Same Journey. She is also the author of two children’s books, Don’t Eat Your Boogers (You’ll Turn Green) and Brock’s Bad Temper (And The Time Machine). You can learn more about Carrie and her writing at www.carrielowrance.com
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Fizkes
