What is the Purpose of Business?
July 31st, 2007 | Michael Pink
The purpose of a business is to make a profit. There it is. I said it. That ugly word in the minds of so many Christians, which might explain why so many are so broke in the business world. They think profit is evil or bad or at the very least, inappropriate - unless it happens by accident or as a result of doing other things well but minus the profit motive. Believe it or not, you can desire a profit and work hard to generate one without being guilty of coveting or piercing yourself through with many sorrows due to the love of money. But that requires spiritual maturity. Selah.
Before I get too many angry emails, let me also say I believe that our businesses, our sales careers, in fact all of our vocational life should truly bring glory to God. That is to say, when others see our companies, our track records, our job performance, they attribute our success to the God whom we serve. But if we fail in business, regardless of how nice we were or how pious, they will not be able to see that God is indeed Lord in all areas of life. That He is only relevant to “spiritual” issues and perhaps “marital” issues, but completely irrelevant to the business / commerce side of life and therefore to be ignored until a major crisis comes up.
Let me further add, that I also believe business is merely a context for building relationships. First of all with God - if we choose - and then with others. God loves work and so does Jesus (John 5:17) and He quite enjoys going to work with us and helping us build quite the business. Not necessarily a large business, but an excellent one.
I will continue to make my case over the next few blog postings…
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July 31st, 2007 at 7:54 am
Thank you! This is confirmation as my husband & I have been praying about how to set up a small ministry in our area and people keep telling us to be a non profit christian ministry, though we quoted the scriptures that you just did.. Thank you & God Bless
July 31st, 2007 at 7:55 am
You are so right. Without profit there is NO business through which to minister. In my 30 years in business as a ministry vehicle I have had to deal with Christians who had “profit problems” interestingly with out profits they would have no jobs. Profits are the fuel that allow the business/ministry vheicle to go down the road touching lives.
“Wake up and smell the “profits.”
thanks for your insights.
July 31st, 2007 at 8:21 am
Thank you so much for today’s message! So often, I do feel “guilty” about the profession that I’m in. I remind myself daily that I’m helping people and working with God to help people. I need to tell myself more often though that it’s okay to earn an income for doing just that! Have a Blessed Day!
July 31st, 2007 at 8:34 am
Mike, you said God wants us to build an “excellent” business. What are the characteristics of an “excellent” business?
July 31st, 2007 at 9:33 am
Wholeheartedly agreed, Mike.
Let’s even take it a step further and look at Deut 8:18 “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”
The wealth resulting from profit in business is evidence for the covenant that we have with our Father. Evidence to us and evidence to the world.
Another question: Who is the rightful owner of the wealth of this world? The Lord or satan? Who then should steward this wealth, the children of light or the children of darkness?
July 31st, 2007 at 9:33 am
Success. What is success? That is a great question. The world has their definition of success and the God has another. The world looked at Jesus life and would have said it was a failure. We Christians know better.
I have a question. Why does God seem to bless business’s that are run by non-believers and other Godly people business’s seem to not prosper. Many business’s that are run by God’s standard may not prosper in the worlds eyes but in God’s eye they are prospering greatly.
Profits are important but there must be a balance. Many of our CEO’s have put profits above honesty and we are seeing the consequences today.
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and all the things will be added.”
July 31st, 2007 at 9:37 am
Mike,
Here is an excerpt from our company’s Statement of Purpose. “Secondly, that we might earn a reasonable profit in direct proportion to our efforts and abilities, while at the same time realizing all things come from God and it is He who giveth and taketh away. And, that those profits, and the resources generated by them, be used to help missionaries in getting the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.” The reason I share this with you is that years after it was established I consulted with the CLA and learned that a “charitable” organization does not have to be non-profit. This allows me to legitimately “go” to be a help to missionaries, and expense the cost. Obviously , I am not certified to give tax advice, but the idea may generate some creative thinking applicable to other business types. One of the ways we have been able to use resources is by contributing the adhesive we distribute to Bearing Precious Seed of Milford, Ohio, for binding New Testaments and Bibles that are printed in many different languages and provided to missionaries around the world. For God’s glory.
July 31st, 2007 at 9:56 am
An answer to Kern:
The answer is in the parable of the unjust steward:
Luk 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
God has gifted everyone with special gifts before the foundation of the world, before the fall. These are irrevocable, whether the person turns to Christ or to satan.
The children of this world are working diligently the gifts that God has given to them, while many of the children of light refuse to grow up and steward theirs. Allowing satan to talk them out of using the gifts of God for the glory of God.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:04 am
Thank you so much for this info. What a revelation! I am definitely making a copy and show it to my husband, because he thinks that when you became as child of God you must live a life of poverty because he said that Jesus lived on earth without nothing and so must we. He is running his own business without any profits!!! On the contrary I believe that Jesus died so that we can have life and life in abundance!!! To work is such a blessing! And He will honor our work and bless us!
July 31st, 2007 at 10:27 am
Michael,
Thank you very much for your bold statement. It´s about time we christians declare this and not be shy from this truth. The world will look at the Blessing of God when we prosper in our business and, of course, a business prospers with profit…
July 31st, 2007 at 10:29 am
Kern;
It hasn’t always been that way. Nevertheless, I believe Kai Druhl said it best so I will let that comment satisfy for now. Also, there will be at least three more blog emails to follow that further develop this line of thinking. Blessings, Michael
July 31st, 2007 at 10:30 am
i am glad to hear you address the issue of excellence. it is said to say that some who advertise themselves as a “Christian” business fall way short of anything even close to excellence. In fact, if a non-Christian person provides me with mediocre or poor service, I am more apt to allow grace than if it comes from a Christian. there is nothing worse than watching people be broke who make it known they are “Christians”. somehow, we are missing a key ingredient in success.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:31 am
I know I will get blasted for this but I have to say it. We can have life and life in abundance does not always mean a abundance of material things or a life of comfort. Sometimes those things do come but not always. Remember, Satan can send material blessing too. And he will if it will get us out of the will of God. WE have to keep reminding ourselves that we are not citizens of this world and our rewards will be given to us in heaven and whatever our little sufferings or discomforts we have here on earth are nothing compared to our spending an eternity with our Father.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:32 am
Bill;
Good question. What is an excellent business? I shall make the subject of future blogs but I suspect it includes delivering a quality product or service while running a tight ship and producing a profit.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:35 am
Kern;
No blasting of you my friend. Let it be unto you according to your word. It is a good thing to be content and if you are content, then so be it. Some of us have a broader understanding than you in this matter. That doesn’t make us better or even necessarily right, though we think we may be on to something.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:39 am
If we didn’t make a profit, then our churches wouldn’t have programs to help those who need it. Pastors wouldn’t get paid, and we wouldn’t have any buildings to meet in. Colleges couldn’t offer scholarships, businesses wouldn’t offer paid vacations or benefits; the list goes on and on. Virtually all social programs are funded by profits from either businesses or individuals.
The more I make, the more I can give away! I would suggest that not only is it OK to make a profit, but as stewards of time, talent and treasure, we have a responsibility to. Of course we need to balance our motives. We should not use any means necessary to generate a profit, nor attempt to make excessive profits.
The discussion of missionaries has also come up in this blog. To that end, keep in mind that we are all missionaries, all the time. As believers, everything we do should glorify God. One does not have to travel to a foreign country to be a missionary, you are one already! Ed Silvoso writes “The most common self-inflicted put-down is ‘I am not a pastor—I am just a layperson.’ This is all part of a clever satanic scheme to neutralize apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers along with the entire army of disciples, already positioned in the marketplace.”
Where did Jesus do most of his work? New Testament – Of Jesus’ 132 public appearances in NT, 122 were in the marketplace. Of 52 parables Jesus told, 45 had a workplace context. Of 40 divine interventions recorded in Acts, 39 were in the marketplace.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:42 am
Michael,
As you can see by the comments, most people jumped on the profits part of your statement or the prosperity part. I saw “let me also say I believe that our businesses, our sales careers, in fact all of our vocational life should truly bring glory to God. That is to say, when others see our companies, our track records, our job performance, they attribute our success to the God whom we serve.”
Many people do all the right things and still do not prosper. But they are a success in God’s eyes but not in the worlds eyes.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:43 am
Dave C,
Outstanding comment!!! many thx!!!
July 31st, 2007 at 10:46 am
Kern: You said in the above blog, “and life in abundance does not always mean a abundance of material things or a life of comfort”. Might I suggest that profit does not have to equate only to material things, but with profit many good things can happen! We can give it away to be used on Kingdom work. Think what the world could be like if Christians controlled most of the wealth. Think how that would change entertainment, government, business, etc.
If you had a large sum of money, what would you do with it?
July 31st, 2007 at 11:07 am
Dave, great insight. yes, we can give it away and should. But according to most polls, we don’t. Average giving among Christians is 2% and half of born again Christians give nothing. God said: “if you can’t be trusted with little why should I give you much.”
That is a great question and one that I do not want to happen.
My request is the same as the Agur in Proverbs 30: 7-9. “give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.”
July 31st, 2007 at 11:18 am
Kern;
You said, “Many people do all the right things and still do not prosper.” I disagree. They are not doing all the right things. Or at least they are not doing all the right things well. Water always runs dowhill. Rising water floats all boats. I could go on, but if you do the right things well and consistently you will have a good result. It may vary depending on location and other factors, but people who are doing the right things well will prosper. Might not be a Bill Gates, but they will prosper.
July 31st, 2007 at 1:21 pm
the unjust stweard was punished for not bringing a profit not for the lack of building relationships.
July 31st, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Kern: I have seen those studies as well and the numbers are indeed amazingly low. Don’t you think though that we would still be better off if there was a stronger Christian influence in the world? Isn’t 2% better than less than that? Isn’t a step in the right direction?
Michael has an excellent resource you (and others) may want to look at www.takingbackthegates.com Eleven different leaders came together and talked about how we as Christians can influence the Kingdom. For example, can you imagine how things might be different if Christians ran the New York Times and CNN?
July 31st, 2007 at 2:19 pm
The topic of excellence and success came up in this string. Os Hillman offers us the following ideas on how we as business people and/or business owners can strive toward excellence.
Ethically operate in the highest integrity to produce and deliver superior products and services.
Actively improve the quality of life of their workforce and families.
Pursue with excellence the transformation of your sphere of influence and expertise in the marketplace.
Invest generously and sacrificially in the broader community.
Purposefully connect with other companies, professions and individuals to impact the world.
I would love to hear how you do your best everyday to impact the world. Do you have any advice or examples that you can share that might help the rest of us?
July 31st, 2007 at 2:29 pm
To all,
At one time, I thought it was my God given right to be poor or not as well off as others. But now that I know God is our Provider(Jehovah Jireh) and he has plans to prosper me. That mindset has gone by the wayside. Further, we are heirs to the blessings promised to Abraham! God wants us to have money! God’s word states(in my words) it’s not the money which is evil; but the love of money. My friend whom has been an Apostle & Prophet for more than 30 years states “he is not in the ministry for the money; but it takes money to be in the ministry”. God Bless us all so that the Message of Jesus Christ will go to the world! And that one day he will make the statement “Well done thou good and faithful servant”.
July 31st, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Dave C.,
You said: “I would love to hear how you do your best everyday to impact the world. Do you have any advice or examples that you can share that might help the rest of us?”
I’ll share an item in the category of “Actively improve the quality of life of their workforce and families.”
We are a small company that’s always been growing, and I’m beginning to get the feel that the growth is going to start happening in a big way! The service we provide generates lots of success for our clients, and my staff is motivated to help them create that success. So when a new customer signs up, I give each employee an amount equal the the new customer’s first month subscription. That turns into a fairly sizable amount over a year’s time!
My company has enough to succeed. We could probably even lower our prices significantly! But I’d rather see my hard-working employees get rewarded for their work.
To tie this in with other comments, I feel that because of my careful stewardship of the company (under God’s guidance of course), my company has been allowed to succeed. Instead of saying “I did good, all the money is mine” I’m choosing to say “We did good, and we’re helping our customers in a way that brings honor to God’s name” and my employees see a financial reward for that work.
Kind of rambling as I type, but hopefully that all comes together in a way that makes sense…
July 31st, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Michael;
I humbly disagree. Many times people do the right thing and do not prosper materialistically. I have done the right thing and have lost a sale and I remember you talking about you dad talking someone out of new equipment because it was the best for his customer. In fact I have seen them lose everything materially.
God is not a respecter of a person. You cannot do something and make God respond in a certain way. Many missionaries have done the right thing to lose everything even their own life. Many of the puritans were burned at the stake for their faith. John Bunyan the author of “Pilgrim Progress” the second most read book, was thrown into prison for refusing to quit preaching the gospel. The list goes on and on. I believe if a Christians does things to get rich, they will receive their reward here on earth but miss the greater blessing in heaven. Our main goal here on earth is to serve others and glorify God in all we do.
God never promised anyone riches or comfort here on earth, only riches in heaven if we are obedient. Although their are many false teacher who preach the name and claim it religion but that is a false religion. We must learn to worship God because He is God and not what He can do for us.
July 31st, 2007 at 3:58 pm
By the way, great discussion and although I disagree with some of you I respect your opinion and enjoy your comments.
July 31st, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Kern,
I totally respect and admire your comment. It is noticeable you have a true heart for Jesus. Nevertheless, I believe you can be a Billionare and go to the same Heaven a misionarry who gave his life for Jesus would go. I know many diagree with this and maybe only when we meet Salomon, David, Abraham, etc, we will know. Meanwhile, I guess “the just shall live by fatih”, so by how we measure the word we will be justified. I have seen that the Word speaks differently to the body of Christ, not contrary, only in different perspectives which as you said we must respect…. Blessings!!!
July 31st, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Michael’s opening sentence is The purpose of a business is to make a profit.
I happen to believe that the purpose of a business is to get and keep customers. The profit will come if we take care of our customers as we should. And I mean really learn how to be with people, treat them with the utmost respect, graciousness and even anticipate their needs. Understand them and show a little empathy. When the customer is the focus as a child of God, whatever profit the Lord wants to bestow is fine, but when profit is the focus, some of the good stuff God is offering can be misread.
……just a thought
July 31st, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Hi Kern;
Please note that I did not say that bad things don’t happen to good people. You can indeed do the right things and have a bad outcome on a case by case basis, but in the long run, doing the right things will yield the right result.
Think of it like a farmer who plants in due season, waters and nurtures his crop, he will consistently do better than the farmer who doesn’t fertilize his crop, plant in a straight row, water, etc. This being said, the farmer who does the right things the right way may still have a prairie fire cut a swath through his crop.
Doing things the right way doesn’t guarantee you no trials, but it does significantly increase the liklihood of your success. That’s all I am saying.
July 31st, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Michael,
I say amen and amen. I remember my first exposure to Full Gospel Businessmen, back in 1983. I went to a very large chapter meeting with two gentlemen I worked with. I was, and am a salesperson. My boss was one of those people I went with. However he had no problems lying to get a sale. When I confronted him he told me that Christianity was in his personal life but his business life was a different thing altogether.
Then we have stories of people like Stanley Tamm and Truett Cathy who have given to God to large degrees and have been blessed financially beyond belief.
I think the real issue gets to calling. If you are called to be the leader of a company in the market place I am going to say the vast majority of the time God is going to bless you financially because he wants to bless the Kingdom. Yes, there are people who He is using for other reasons (and in the process they are not be blessed fianancially( but I think this is a small percentage of the tiem. The biggest problem we have in the Kingdom is people operating outside their calling. While I have my own small career coaching business the majority of my time is spent working as a recruiter for someone else. God did not call me to be an entrepreneur.
I also believe many people, myself included, can get so wrapped up in doing “good things” for God that we miss what He really wants us to be doing, our paid vocation.
We can go on for pages about setting the example. But there is one thing we all need to be aware of. When we are commanded not to take the Lord’s name in vain it has nothing to do with yelling four letter words (though I am not suggesting that). The Hebrew means to lift up. It is talking about using God’s name to justify our actions. In an even tighter sense the OT commentators talk about someone wearing “clerical” vestments and then doing something against God’s laws. That is why we have to be very careful about “getting on our soapbox” in business. That one person we might be able to witness to could be turned off totally by some of our questionable policies. As Jim Baker would say, “Who would want this mess?”
Well I am going to get down off my soapbox. As always Michael, Keep up the good work.
Fianlly Kylie if you are still reading posts you might want to touch base with Michael’s and my friend Chuck Proudfit. he runs a ministry organization called At Work On Purpose. It might be of interest to you and your husband. Michael since you have Kylie’s address you might want to pass this onto her.
Bill Gaffney
July 31st, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Hi Frances S.
I so appreciate you writing in. To me, getting and keeping customers is HOW we make a profit, not to mention represent God in the marketplace as His ambassador. We should value and respect, even love our customers. Without them we have no business. Nonetheless, why do you get and keep customers? If getting and keeping and serving customers is your business, isn’t it to make a profit? If not, the result will not as good.
July 31st, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Michael;
Your statement “Doing things the right way doesn’t guarantee you no trials, but it does significantly increase the likelihood of your success”, I agree with. I guess where we differ is on the definition of success. To many times, we get the definition for success from the world and not from God. Many businesses look successful from a worldly viewpoint but from a spiritual viewpoint they are bankrupt. I am afraid to many businesses are selling their souls for profits and power rather than doing the right thing.
Nothing wrong with profits when they come honestly and not at the expense of employees and customers. I agree with DAve C. but with profit many good things can happen! As God increases our profits or income we should always ask Him, why did He do it and what does He want us to do with the excess?
July 31st, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Kern;
What makes you think we differ on the definition of success? My definition didn’t come from the world. What was Jesus definition of success in Luke 19 when he rewarded the servant more who brought in the biggest ROI?
I agree that many business owners are financially solvent, even prosperous while being totally spiritually bankrupt. Others are spiritually wealthy while being financially destitute. If we had to choose, I would choose the latter. But we don’t have to choose.
Being spiritually wealthy hopefully leads to spiritual maturity and with that hopefully the wisdom to steward God’s resources wisely and with great success. I for one, want both… to prosper and be in health even as my soul prospers.
July 31st, 2007 at 6:05 pm
I did not mean to imply that your definition came from the world. But to many Christians their idea of success comes from the world. Even most of our churches are operating the church just like a worldly company. I read a great article from John MacArthur which I will quote ”
Church as It Was Meant to Be
July 30th, 2007
Blueprint(By John MacArthur)
In many respects, the contemporary church in America looks more like a large corporation than like anything described in the New Testament. Even church leaders sometimes bear a closer resemblance to CEOs and corporate executives than to humble, tender shepherds. Sadly, the good news — that a sinner can find forgiveness for sins before a holy God by placing his trust in and committing his whole life to Jesus Christ — is often eclipsed by “success”-oriented programs and an interest in the bottom line.
As a result, many churches have become nothing more than entertainment centers, employing tactics that effectively draw people into the church, but are incapable of truly ministering to them once they come.”
you can read the whole article at http://www.sfpulpit.com/
And we are surprised that so many Christians operate their companies and handle their finances just like the lost.
Kern
July 31st, 2007 at 9:33 pm
Good on ya mate!
Love your work and the King you point to!
I am a recent subscriber, running a motel, and look forward to your regular encouragement to pointing people to Jesus and putting a smile on His face whilst I make a “quid” (Aussie for money!)
Regards
Bruce
August 1st, 2007 at 5:19 am
Am yet learn more. But so far am step forward.
August 1st, 2007 at 5:33 am
Above all I appreciate the gentleness of spirit in this discussion, which is a credit to all who have posted.
May I ask Michael to support his assertion that “the purpose of business is to make profit” - from Scriptures.
Perhaps the keyword is “purpose”?
And then the fundamental question becomes “Is it God’s (primary) purpose that business makes a profit?”
If so, does that suggest Not for Profits are not a business?
Could it be that profit is an outcome of a Godly business, whose heart is to be faithful, fruitful and excellent stewards - and that Profit with a Purpose becomes seedcorn form more and more Great Commission growth?
Thanks
Roy
August 1st, 2007 at 7:20 am
why not a big business? Why not a huge business? Wouldn’t that be great to have a very very successful business and let the profits go toward missions, or projects for the Lord. I understand guarding against greed and the love of money but making lots of money does not specifically cement the two together.
August 1st, 2007 at 7:32 am
Nice to hear from you Roy!
As always, love your spirit and what you bring to the group.
Though I will be building on my point over the next few emails, I will give you a few lines of my thinking. First of all, the idea that the purpose of business is to make a profit is self evident. Never has a wise man started a business without that desire. I believe sanctified common sense alone makes the case.
Secondly, you would likely agree that work is good and that labor is something we are called to do. (John 5:17, 1 Cor 4:12, Eph 4:28, etc) As if we needed confirmation of the fact, Solomon tells us in Proverbs 14:23 that there is profit in all labor. I understand that to be a motivation as opposed to a warning. In Ecc 5:9 he describes the Earth (something God made) as generating a profit. He goes on further to suggest in Ecc 7:11 that wisdom along with an inheritance (capital) produce a profit.
Continuing on with Isaiah 48:17 I would suggest that the fact that God promises to teach us how to profit would suggest at the minimum some importance to the matter. Roy, I suspect at this point you are saying to yourself that you are in agreement with the idea of making a profit, that your question has more to do with whether it should be the purpose of that business. Am I right? Let’s continue…
Jesus in Luke 19 tells the story of 10 servants each given a pound of money. According to some commentators, that was the equivalent of three months wages. They were told to “Occuly till I come”. I am sure you already know that “occupy” literally means to “trade and do business”. So here we have a story, a parable that Jesus is telling about Himself and he sets up 10 servants in business. He provides the seed capital. Then He goes away for awhile. Upon his return, the first and only question He has is “How much have you gained by trading?” The gain speaks of profit and evidently that was the singular concern of the Master in this story.
Kern asked why it seems so many unsaved people prosper and very few Christians don’t. I believe the answer has to do with a belief system. Unsaved people get business. They get teams. They get a lot of things we don’t get. They are not hung up about making a profit and so they do. Big time. Christians tend to shy away from profit for some very good reasons… they don’t want to be guilty of covetousness or be pierced through with many sorrows due to the love of money, etc. But they don’t have to be. It just takes maturity to avoid those pitfalls.
The Scripture speaks of beating swords into plowshares… the idea being self evident again that people will turn to peace rather than war at some future time. It is clear that swords are for fighting and plowshares for farming. I think Christians have tried to turn businesses into Non Profit ministries when that is not there intended purpose. A business is started and maintained to provide a profit. We do that through any number of noble means, (getting and serving customers, etc) but take away the profit objective and we have a less than excellent business model. (I realize that people with a pure profit motive may well have an unethical, dishonorable business model, but we don’t have to choose between profit and ethic.)
At any rate Roy, I have not exhausted the topic by any means, but wanted to honor your terrific request for some of my Scriptural rationale.
Blessings, Michael
August 1st, 2007 at 7:37 am
Jane;
You ask why not a big business, why not a huge business? I would answer… Every man (or woman) according to their ability and according to their calling.
In other words, Why not indeed! But not necessarily so for all.
Also, I agree that greed and success are not necessarily cemented together!
August 1st, 2007 at 7:46 am
what a discussion you started. It seems simple to me. A business must make a profit or it soon ceases to be a business. Now the issue is more how to be a good steward of that profit with God’s purpose in mind.
Even a “non-profit” must have “profit”, that is income to exceed the actual COST of the actual ministry; re; salry to staff, administrative overhead.
Thus a “profit” from ministry gIfts or the profits from other peoples businesses in the form of gifts from salaries of the empolyess of profitable businesses ( unprofitable businesses soon have no employees) or direct gift from business profits.
It seems simple- a car is a viable vehicle to get you some where , but without gas (profits) it sits idle.
The issue is not profits, for without that there is no business and no “non-profits”- the issue is - USING THE PROFITS ACOORDING TO GOD’S PLAN , PURPOSE AND DIRECTION.
August 1st, 2007 at 7:55 am
William: Agreed
August 1st, 2007 at 8:34 am
Michael;
Isaiah: 48:17;
I do not think it is talking about money (profit) It is talking about gaining wisdom and knowledge about God and from God. God was giving Israel one last chance to repent and turn to Him. I do not believe you can make your point about a company making a profit from this text.
I do agree that a profit should be one of many goals for a Christian business but not the main goal. Just like making money should not be anyones main goal. I have seen it become a curse for many Christians and that is why I think Jesus talked more about money than anything else.
August 1st, 2007 at 9:05 am
Michael, this is so nicely written and is extremely on track with God’s Word, in letter and in spirit. There is nothing spiritual about being rich or poor. We are who we are in Christ by the king of stewards we are. The Bible teaches that the Lord not only allows but expects us to make a profit in business assuming we are following His ethical and spiritual principles found in the Word. Case in point, the parable of the loaned money (Matt. 25:15) makes it very clear that the master (representing the Lord) was insulted that one of his three servants wouldn’t even put the money loaned him into the bank to draw interest. Those who invested (two talents and five talents, respectively) made a 100% profit to which the master said, “Well done…” Your job is your ministry. And when you work with professionalism, biblical ethics, a spirit of love, and the wisdom of God and do it “as unto the Lord” then HE is going to get glory and others will be attracted to such a (Christian) faith. If a profit is made in employing this lifestyle and process, then all the better!
August 1st, 2007 at 9:11 am
Kern;
You might want to study the meaning of dualism some time. I think you would find it helpful. In summary it is the idea that things that are spiritual are good and things that are material are less than good. That flies in the face of what God called the material world. He said it was good. Christians have been running away from the material world for a long time, abandoning it to the unredeemed to be in charge of. Not a good thing.
You look at Isa 48:17 and see only spiritual application. I see all inclusive. I do not limit it to the spiritual realm only. Look at the context in verse 15, God says, “I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.” Do you think that is spiritual only? I do not my dear brother.
Lastly, profit is only one, (but a very important one) of the many goals of a business.
Blessings.
August 1st, 2007 at 9:19 am
Dear Michael
I LOVE it when brothers dwell together in unity … there God COMMANDS His blessing.
Each ligament brings something to the whole Body, with Christ as our only Head.
As so often, your article seems to have opened up a rich seam and your stimulation has got us all thinking, listening, studying, learning and growing up.
I will dwell on the Scriptures you have mentioned and I will then add my twopennyworth.
Big hug!
Roy
August 1st, 2007 at 9:23 am
I am new to this website and Mr. Pink’s teaching. Already, I have learned a lot! I’ve been self-employed for about 6 years. I have a passion to make a lot of money. I feel uncomfortable announcing that in most of my Christian circles. I appreciated these comments on the purpose of business. This is a supportive climate where we can cheer each other on to be prosperous and to pour that prosperity into the lives of people we minister to for God’s glory!
August 1st, 2007 at 9:31 am
Welcome aboard Julie!
We are glad to have you participating in our group. You will hopefully find inspiration and encouragement as well as be challenged by folks who see things differently. I personally love it, because we grow as we search out the truth in Scripture relating to business and our callings.
August 1st, 2007 at 9:50 am
Michael;
I do understand dualism. But you have to be careful with it. verse 15 God called Cyrus and gave special status and success to him. God does that sometimes but you cannot use this verse to justify that everyone will be rich or make a profit. Not every Christian is going to be always happy and rich monetarily but they will be rich toward God.
Great discussion and I enjoy everyones thoughts. Remember one thing, we see dimly now but one day we will see clearly. And Hebrews 3:13 “Exhort one another every day, as long it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
August 1st, 2007 at 9:57 am
Hi Kern;
Let me be clear to anyone who wonders… I am not suggesting, nor have I ever intended to imply that “everyone will be rich or make a profit”. Neither do I think it is limited to some special status God gave Cyrus.
August 1st, 2007 at 10:23 am
I have often tried to put our individual success in perspective for folks this way;
1.Be who you are in Christ.
2. Allow Him to be who He is in you.
3. Be doing what God wants you to do.
4. Do it in His power (Allowing Him to live through you)
5. Be doing it where God Wants you to do it.
6. Be a good steward of whatever that brings into your life.
Interestingly, I learned this and shared it when I was earning $900 a month as the father of five. Now 30 years later, running a “profitable” business, I find these guidlines still apply.
August 1st, 2007 at 10:49 am
As a believer/entrepreneur I realize I am REQUIRED to make a profit. How else will I support my family, altho’ it’s a continual struggle since it’s a new business.
Why is it okay for our employers to make a profit to pay us a salary but somehow it’s NOT okay to be in business ourselves to make a profit and pay others.
Profit allows for many things including medical, dental, food, autos, insurance, independence from sponging off taxpayers/government, pride in a job well done, and much more…
Unlike today, Puritans (remember the Puritan work-ethic?) believed that wealth as a result of hard/wise and God motivated labor was a sign of God’s blessing on them. Were they right? Maybe! But, I can’t help but believe we could use a bit more of that value system among believers today.
If helping the poor and needy among us are basic tenets of our faith how is it possible that some Christians can believe that the best way to help the poor is to be one of them? On an earthly level it is a truth that only those who earn more than they use/need can reach out to help others…
’nuff said!
August 1st, 2007 at 10:51 am
Michael;
I did not mean to imply that you mention everyone will be rich. But there are some who do.
I do believe that God does give special powers and gifts to some people to do a special work to do His will. It is all through the bible. I can give you some examples if you like. One comes to mind is although it is negative was Judas. Another is Pharaoh. God said I will have mercy on who I want.
August 1st, 2007 at 10:53 am
I wonder what did Jesus do with the products of his carpenter business. Did he gave them away or sell them for a profit?? What did Peter do with the fish of his fishing business, give them away or sell them for a profit?? and Paul with his tent building business, give them away or sell the service for a profit??
If people like Bill Gates or Warren Buffett can give “billions” of dollars to charity, why can´t we, spirit filled childred of God, think of giving billions to enhance the Kingdom of God. Simple mathematics: If I make more, I give more, and the kingdom of God grows. Of course, If you feel afraid to get greedy with money, then don´t expect it and live happy. But If you are not hung up on money and you´re not affraid to be corrupted by it, then make all you can, and if you don´t want it, just give it away… As simple as that…
Joke: If you dont want your part, I´ll take it and give it away, ja!ja!”
Just a thought:
If anything is in your hands, then it´s in Jesus´ hands and He can give instruction to its use. If it´s not, then it´s in the worlds´…
August 1st, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Thanks for the personal reply Michael! I appreciate it.
Julie
August 1st, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Not only do I agree that it’s okay to make a profit, but see in Scripture that we are to make a return on the resources God has put into our hands. We work with CEOs who grasp the concept that their business IS their ministry and their goal is to produce fruit - in all areas: spiritual, relationships, finances, PR, etc.
August 1st, 2007 at 1:31 pm
It’s wonderful to see these truths put out there again. For a somewhat fuller picture — I’ll be interested to see what else you write — and a place to go for related topical thought, please visit www.acton.org, and read Fr. Sirico’s tremendous monograph on the subject of Christianity, business and work, The Entrepreneurial Vocation. It’s far and away the best thing I have found on the subject to date, and the pithiest.
August 1st, 2007 at 2:02 pm
Philip;
Went to the site you recommended and while I did find some very good articles, I did not find the one you recommended. Would you kindly post the precise link to the site? Thanks.
August 1st, 2007 at 2:17 pm
I love what William Stewart said; it’s beautiful, true,simple and a great challenge!
Thanks William.
Roy
August 1st, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Michael~
The link to the book is: http://www.acton.org/publicat/books/ at $5.00 ea.
But in finding it I also ran across the following newer link,
http://www.acton.org/ppolicy/business/entrepreneur/ which is a nice summary of Fr. Sirico’s longer exposition in The Entrepreneurial Vocation.
Thanks for asking.
August 1st, 2007 at 4:28 pm
I agree, but with a little note of caution. I do believe that profit is a result of glorifying God through obeying Him and applying Biblical principles to every area of our business and lives. There have been situations in my business growth where I have had to seemingly lose by not compromising His principles in order to profit. Unfortunately, I’ve seen others profit very well and thank the Lord for it while compromising His commands for their own gain. The Lord will be the final judge of who is really profiting. Yes, I am in business to make a profit also, but if the Lord isn’t glorified in what I do, it ultimately profits me nothing.
August 2nd, 2007 at 7:27 am
Mike,
Spot on brother! Our Maker is involved in every breath we breathe. I’ve spent a majority of my life compartmentalizing God. Recently, within the last 3 or so years, I’ve been transformed in my thinking that it is all about Him. What a difference it made in my life - how i interact with peers, customers, my family, etc!
August 2nd, 2007 at 10:09 am
Michael,
I look forward to your continuation of this topic. I think the word “profit” is what is causing all the buss. If we look at it as income in excess of costs we would all agree that is needed to stay in business. If we add that those excesses must be used to provide for our families, develop our businesses and expand the kingdom, we gain a more eternal perspective on business. God does not need our money, but He uses it as one of His tools to expand the kingdom. (Of course changed lives is the key element.) If no Christian has “excesses” then no kingdom work will be done. Our business is one of the tools God uses to shape us and shape his kingdom. That in my mind is one of the primary purposes of business.
August 2nd, 2007 at 10:34 am
Craig;
You said “If no Christian has “excesses” then no kingdom work will be done.”
God can and has expanded His kingdom without excesses. He gave Israel their land and they had nothing. He expanded His kingdom through 12 who were mostly poor. Yes, He will use our excesses but He does not depend on them. He is still expanding His kingdom through people who have nothing in the 3rd world. But I agree, if we gave more, more could be done. God will accomplish His plan with or without us. Good example, Israel, who rejected Jesus and then because of their unbelief, God allowed the gentles to be grafted in.
August 2nd, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Thank you!
August 9th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Thank you for your challenges to doing business in a God honoring way.
I would like to comment on you statement that the purpose of a business is to make a profit.
I would suggest that the purpose of a business is to provide a service to the public. The objective of business is to make a profit. I believe that this order puts the customer first, by providing a service, and the business last in benefiting by providing a service.
Dan Bailey
August 9th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Daniel I am with you on that and rewards for our efforts towards people, are in the profits.
September 8th, 2007 at 11:02 am
I’m agree with your article I’m sorry that I undertand it too late because now I’m in a financial crisis. I would like to read more articles about the same subject.
Thanks a lot.