How to Start a Business with Christian Ethics
We are sure the title must have gotten you thinking – can a business and Christian ethics go hand in hand? Is it even possible to run a successful, thriving business keeping your Christian values intact? Well, the answer is a big, big YES here! With our God-given gifts and talents, you can actually set up a business while continuing to honor the Lord along the journey too.
Starting your own business might seem scary at the start – and it is, no doubt, challenging at the beginning. You have so many things to figure out, depending on the nature of your business – right from the funds, the equipment, manufacturing, sales – and ultimately the way you want your business to function. It is a massive challenge that you will be undertaking, and while things will not always be rosy, everything is possible when you have faith.
Now that you have decided to kickstart your business, let us have a look at how you can do so without leaving your Christian business ethics behind:
Honesty and Ethics are Paramount
These are the very values that take the first hit when it comes to a business. Is a little diversion from honesty ethically justified if you are earning profits off it? – a big NO. Honoring the Lord through whatever we do is the purpose of our lives – so whether it is a business or a job, you need to put your all into it, tagging your honesty and Christian business ethics along.
2 Corinthians 8:21 (AMP) says, “For we have regard for what is honorable [and above suspicion], not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men”. The profit comes secondary. Following the way of the Lord is of utmost importance. The blessings will only flow in abundance.
Give Back, As Much as You Can
We remember the Lord and invoke His presence in the initial days of struggle simply because it is all too overwhelming for us to manage. But when things fall in place, we conveniently put the Lord on the backseat and forget that He is the one who has sent showers of blessings our way. So, when things work well, do remember to give back – to show your gratitude and acknowledgment to His presence in your life. For in Acts 20:35 (AMP), the Lord Himself says, “It is more blessed [and brings greater joy] to give than to receive”.
Keep Praying Through the Highs and Lows
It is easy to remember the Lord when times get tough, but it is just as important to thank Him for all the little achievements too! Remember to celebrate your little milestones, such as your first big order or the most profitable month. There will be many such milestones, big and small, and they are nothing but ways to keep the conversation with God going. Always be grateful, seek his guidance and listen – His advice is always the best. Lastly, always remember Romans 12:12 (AMP)– “ constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength]”.
Treat People Right
Whether they are your employees, business partners, clients, or delivery persons, it takes nothing to be kind. Your business should be a haven where people are always treated kindly and in the right way. Treating all the people connected with your business the right way will take you the long way and is well in sync with the Lord’s teachings. Never be afraid to take a stand for what is right, and always stick to what your faith tells you. Doing what is right may not always be easy, but it is totally worth it!
Invest and Expand Wisely
As a business, you will come across many opportunities to expand and grow your business. You would also come across many partnerships offers, but you need to be very careful and choosy with what you invest in. Just because a particular business partnership would fetch you a lot of revenue does not mean you jump into it right away. Take your time, analyze, and understand the proposal and how feasible it would be in the long run. Check if the new business decisions you are about to take are in sync with your short-term and long-term goals.
Talk to the Lord and place all the things you are about to do in His hands. He will definitely show you the right way. Remember what Proverbs 2:11-12 (AMP) says “Discretion will watch over you, understanding and discernment will guard you, to keep you from the way of evil and the evil man, From the man who speaks perverse things”.
Work Hard
There is no better way to honor the Lord than to work hard and not waste the talents He has bestowed upon you. You have been blessed with many great qualities, excellent skills, and abundant blessings – all of which you can use to glorify the name of the Lord in whatever work you choose to do.
Proverbs 14:23 (AMP) says, “ In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty”. So, keep pitching in your genuine and honest efforts in your business, and you will reap the benefits in abundance.
Stay Patient in Faith
Just because things do not seem to be working well for your business does not mean you lose faith. Instead, this is an opportunity for you to reinforce your belief and talk more to God. After all, it is His will that works in our lives, and everything happens in His time.
There will be highs and lows, great times, and times full of struggle, and through it all, you cannot let any of it shake your faith. It is your faith, honest effort, and hard work that will get you back to good times again.
Summing Up
Compromising with your Christian ethics to run a successful, profitable business is not a way out. Even if you progress slowly and steadily, it is always worth keeping your values and faith intact, irrespective of the situations in your business.
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