No matter how small a business is, one day the owner aims to expand and someday employ others. And as Christians, we have to keep the Lord at the forefront of our business decisions. Therefore, Christian business owners can't operate the way non-believers do. What may be standard business practice for others must be shunned. For God is keeping a record of all that is done and will reward each person for their actions. So, what are some basic rules Christian employers must observe? Exodus 20:15 explicitly states that we must not steal. Employers have been known to steal from their staff by docking their pay for frivolous reasons or keeping them in the dark about benefits they are entitled to.
Speaking of pay, consider James 5:4 - Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. Gods expectation is thus that employees deserve fair wages. In addition, the Bible states workers must be paid on the day they are due before sunset (Deuteronomy 24:15). Further, while it may be standard industry practice for others, the Lord does not want His people to cheat their customers. Consider Proverbs 11:1 - The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. Have you noticed that you're paying more for packages that used to have more content buy no longer do? False advertising, outright lies and other business 'tactics' might bring in great profits but in the long run, they doom a business and the business owner. At the end of the day, every Christian must keep the Royal Law is clear in Luke 6:31 - Do to others as you would have them do to you. This instruction must guide employers in how they deal with customers, business partners and their underlings. This is not a call to overlook bad behavior or become a pushover. Yet, Christian employers must keep God's word in mind and honor His instructions even in a dog-eat-dog world. Obedience will ensure He stands in and with the business to bring success. Lord, we thank You for today's message and call on You to guide us as we consider how we can become more godly in the ways we run our businesses and live our lives. Lead us as we discuss today's issue and bless us with Your wisdom and knowledge in Jesus name, Amen. What do you think about today's post? Have any example of bad or good business practices and leaders to share? Let's talk and learn from each other, IJMN, Amen.