The purpose of this Bible study is not to trigger a gold rush, but instead is to state distinctly the close relationship between character building, and those temporal concerns of life, by which every person’s eternal destiny is to be assessed. The bulk of our Christian experience, and character building actually takes place during the six working days of the week, as we manage the mundane things of life, and as we interact with our fellowmen, not merely on Sabbath when we worship God.
Mammon, which has to do with material blessings, is often viewed as having an evil connotation, and some Christians are prone to avoid business, and investing because of the temptations, and spiritual risk incident to riches. But God would have us take a different view, for although the concept of money did not originate with God, yet it is the currency by which bills are paid and God’s cause is sustained on the earth.
Indeed, many of our churches are currently big on faith, but are hurting for cash, because the bottom line is that Home Depot doesn’t take faith as a form of payment, neither does the electrical, and water bills get paid by trust. Therefore, God expects of His people, well structured business enterprises, where warranted, through which the glory, the character, and principles of God, would be made manifest to the unbelieving world, for God is greatly honored by the success of His people.
However, it is true that wealth, in some Christian circles has become stigmatized because of the way in which it is acquired. When riches are multiplied through the teaching of false doctrines, to please itching ears, then God is greatly dishonored. But if Christians run well-structured successful businesses, according to Biblical principles, then God is not only glorified, but His kingdom is thereby built up. Let’s read:
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Romans 12:9 Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Deuteronomy 8:11 Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;
13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;
14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God.
17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.
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.
[Christ’s Object Lessons. pp 349>350] Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one. Bible religion is to be interwoven with all we do or say. Divine and human agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements. They are to be united in all human pursuits in mechanical and agricultural labors, in mercantile, and scientific enterprises. There must be cooperation in everything embraced in Christian activity.
Furthermore, the Bible is full of business men, from Joseph to Solomon, from Jacob to Job, from Peter, James and John, to Lydia amongst others, all were able to run their business whilst being believers in God, and God’s kingdom was ultimately built up by their efforts and support. Thus, the old stereotypes pertaining to our views on mammon must indeed be revisited, lest we find ourselves coming up short as far as God’s ideals for us go.
This leads us to a case study on what is described as the unfaithful steward, a person who was given one talent by God, and who hid it in the ground for safe keeping, and who preserved it with no loss to the original Giver. But in the day of final accounts, he was cast out of the kingdom, for not improving on the opportunities, and blessings granted him.
The blessings, and talents God gives us are not for safe-keeping merely, but they are for multiplication purposes, that the Giver and humanity may be thus benefitted. In other words, the gift of music to one Christian should not be restricted to playing for the church services only. He or she should act upon the principle of multiplication, by producing songs, and teaching others, and eventually owning their own label, and production company with his/ her own studio. All this and more is possible according to the will of God, through prayer. Let’s read:
Matthew 25: 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Here we clearly see that God distributed His gifts according to the several abilities of each steward, for he who could successfully manage five million, was given five million. He who could handle two million was given the same, and he who had ability to mange one, was given one. But the purpose was one and the same for all three stewards, because a substantial return on His investments was expected by God. But then we come to the person who was given one million.
As we read his account, we will observe a multitude of excuses surfacing, where he would blame any, and everyone but himself for his signal failures. He begins his complaints against God, then he suggests that too much was expected of him, and last, but not least he chalks it all up to fear of the unknown, a risk he was not willing to take. Let’s read:
Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed.
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
Like the servant with the one talent, many of us are “Afraid”, and fear may cause us to become indolent, or protracted in our outlook on life. Some are afraid of the Donald, and what he may do next. Others are afraid of the Sunday law, and still others are afraid of the city or the country, as the case might be. The time of trouble also scares some into not stepping out in faith, when God has opened up many golden opportunities at our doorsteps.
The fear of any, and every type of risk discloses the profound lack of faith, as evidenced in the steward who was afraid, for God has given us the essential element of faith, by which most hurdles, challenges, and reasonable risks can be mitigated. In fact, when we consider the matter carefully, living on this earth will inevitably involve some level of risk. Indeed, if a person was to become a true Christian, there will be some measure of risk, for there are those who have lost their jobs because of the Sabbath.
The same would’ve been true of the three stewards in the parable, for they may have invested in some rental properties in the Sunshine state of Florida, but the risk of hurricanes would be incurred. Then again, they may have opted to multiply their talents in the Midwest, but there, the threat of tornadoes would be an ongoing concern.
So as a last resort, they may have chosen the high-tech capital of silicon-valley, where they may have invested in one of the great tech companies, but lo and behold, the San Andreas fault would obviously pose a constant risk of devastating earthquakes. In addition to all these potential threats, there also was the risk of Jesus second coming, for it is written no man knows the day nor the hour. Thus, fear gave rise to indolence, causing the unprofitable servant to not realize his God-given potential.
Thus, if we were to plan, attempt, invest, and if we were to approach new horizons from a perspective of fear, nothing worthwhile will be accomplished. In fact, the book of Revelation reveals to us that many good people, and many law-abiding citizens with a good credit score, will be lost, all because of fear. It is the first group of individuals on the list of losers. Let’s read:
Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the second death.
Matthew 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto everyone that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Thus, with the weight of responsibility resting upon our shoulders to put the talents, blessings, financial resources, and opportunities God has lent us, to the best use, let us study some of the core fundamental principles given in the scripture, which would make your business a “Successful Christian Business”.
[1] God’s kingdom must come first:
Whenever a profit is made, and whenever The Lord sees fit to bless us with increase, the tithe, as well as a commensurate offering should be set aside first before any other temporal consideration. It doesn’t matter how important or how pressing the issue is, having God in the number one spot on our list of priorities is a non-negotiable must.
As far as the offering goes, a set percentage is much preferable than random spontaneous figures based on momentary, emotional impulse. This method will guard against those temptations to circumstantial variance, by which we may subtract from our returns when business isn’t booming. Any steward who is faithful and consistent with a hundred dollars, will most likely be faithful and consistent when millions come.
In fact, circumstantial evidence has proven that in too many cases, it is not safe for God to bless those whom He cannot trust. The unprofitable servant to whom was given the one talent, made at least three excuses, so if God blessed him with five million, he would be sure to give at least five million excuses. A Christian business that is faithful in small things will be faithful, and successful when it strikes gold. Let’s read:
Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
[2] Order and Organization:
Christian businesses should be characterized by the principles of order and proper organization, for this is a characteristic of the God whom we serve. When the Bible tells us that the heavens declare the glory of God, it means that His character traits can often be observed by studying the heavens. Suns, moons, stars and planets all circle the throne of deity in an orderly fashion, and the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west.
Thus, a Christian business that lacks organization, and order isn’t representing God correctly. When papers are left lying around the office in heaps with important notes scrabbled on them, and when tools cannot be found, and when folks continually keep forgetting where such and such item was placed, it is a sign that orderliness is lacking, and needs to be addressed. Let’s read:
1st Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Isaiah 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.
Proverbs 24:30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
John 20:6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
These items were never ever going to be used by Christ again, neither in this world, nor in the world to come. So why does He take the time to fold them so neatly? Why doesn’t He just leave them in a heap on the floor? What does a Christian business to with items that are no longer needed? Should the same care be manifested in handling garbage, as in the management of it’s most prized possessions? The answers are given in the scriptures. Let’s read:
Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat.
14 And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
15 And they did so and made them all sit down.
16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
When we compare Christ’s example to black Friday, where there is so often, a stampede to get into the store first, and where on many occasions, fist fights have broken out, and some lives lost, as a mad rush is made for the doors, we would see a very distinct contrast in the way Christ conducts His business. In addition, He gave us important lessons on recycling, and waste management. Let’s read:
John 6:12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
[3] Accountability:
Accountability is one of the areas which need to be urgently addressed by Christian businesses, for too often the inflows are not properly reconciled with the outflows, and as a result, unnecessary deficits and losses are incurred, driving many into the snare of revolving debt. In addition, one of the common snares satan lays for the feet of the unwary, is that of not making provision to take a loss.
The reason why so many financial institutions, and businesses went bankrupt during the last recession is that ample provision was not made to suffer loss, without going under. Improper leveraging, constant dependence on credit markets, and a lack of rainy day funds, drove some to extinction, and many persons, and families literally went six feet under.
Therefore, any Christian business that lacks the principle of accountability, and does not make any allowance for losses will soon be out of business! Being accountable and making proper provision for losses are scriptural principles which must then be incorporated into one’s business planning, for there are many who do not know how to manage loss. Let’s read:
Proverbs 27:23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks and look well to thy herds.
24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
Genesis 31:38 This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young.
39 That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.
[4] Replenishing:
The principle of restoring that which is used was one of the first instructions given to man, and in the running of a Christian business, this principle must be seen. Revolving debt, thirty-day payment plans, and other forms of borrowing, are methods which have been introduced, and adopted by many in the Christian arena. However, the gold standard given us by God is to owe no man anything, as far as it’s possible.
If a Christian business, or a believing person seems to be continually saddled with debt, for many years, it’s because some core principles in the Bible are not being implemented, in most cases. And thus, if we are not able to successfully manage mammon, then Christ asks the startling question, who in their right mind will entrust us with eternal riches. Let’s read:
Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Luke 16:8 The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?
Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom.
8 Owe no man anything, for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
[Colporteur ministry pp 92] Gospel principles are not obeyed by those who claim to be following Christ. Much haphazard work has been presented before me. The tract and missionary societies [Book and Bible Houses] have been deeply involved in debt through the failure of canvassers to meet their indebtedness. Canvassers have felt that they were ill-treated if required to pay promptly for the books received from the publishing houses. Yet to require prompt remittal is the only way to carry on business.
[5] Be very careful of family and friends when doing business:
This last issue must be addressed for even though it is the will of God that brethren and family members should interact in business concerns, yet due care should be taken when involving family and friends in business enterprises. James and John, Peter and Andrew were all family and friends, and there able to run their fishing businesses without becoming “Frenemies”.
That’s all well and good, and the same example may be duplicated in our day. However, because God is very practical in His instructions to us, He bids us do some research, some observation, some inquiry and much prayer before we co-invest with brethren and family members. Following this particular directive may save us a whole lot of heartache, and remorse in years to come.
In closing, faithfulness is judged not only in spiritual matters, but also in the way we should manage unrighteous mammon, meaning that the attitudes, characteristics, dispositions or habits we develop in managing temporal, transient issues, will also run as common threads throughout our entire Christian experience. Thus, we close with a quote from the pen of inspiration, treating upon the very same subject matter. Let’s read:
[C.O.L. pp 344] It is the duty of every Christian to acquire habits of order, thoroughness, and dispatch. Through lack of determination to take themselves in hand and reform, persons can become stereotyped in a wrong course of action; or by cultivating their powers they may acquire ability to do the very best of service. Then they will find themselves in demand anywhere and everywhere. They will be appreciated for all that they are worth.
God bless!