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James W. Hargis
In order to fulfill the Great Commission, it is imperative that all members of the Body of Christ become co-laborers with one another. But for all of God’s people to accomplish great things for God in and out of the church, they must have a clear vision of how they can help. They need a sense of direction, of purpose. Whether by serving God in the pulpit or in business, the Church needs to understand and appreciate and utilize each Christian’s calling or ministry.
A Vision for Business People
A clear vision enables the church to move together in unity of mind, spirit and purpose and motivates people to give their life, time, and finances. Business people who catch the vision of the local church can be a powerful force for that church and for the Kingdom of God. Christian businesspeople want to be involved in Kingdom business. But they need to feel respected and needed for more than just financial giving. Too many businesspeople feel spiritually inferior because they ended up in business instead of something more "spiritual". They feel they have "missed God’ because they are not in full-time staff ministry. The church has primarily told the lay person he is called out of his work rather than to his work. The priority for each believer should be to take Christ into the marketplace. Tragically, that’s often the last place many believers think to influence for Christ.
The Lord has given gifts to lay people for the church:
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
"See, I have called by name Bezalel. . . . And I have filled him with the
Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge,
and in all manner of workmanship."
(Ex 31:1-3)
Generally, a businessperson does not view pastors as businesspeople, nor do pastors view businesspeople as having a ministry. However, each group can enable the other to minister within the church and in the marketplace. Today, each member of the entire Body of Christ needs to be equipped for ministry, including those in the marketplace. At City Bible Church, for instance, the major goal of Business With a Purpose (BWAP) is to equip Christian businesspeople for marketplace ministry.
The Business Person and the Lordship of Jesus Christ
Membership and attendance in many churches today are on a downward spiral. Even many people who claim they are Christians do not attend church. There is little sense of community in our neighborhoods anymore. Because of all these factors, one of the few places non-Christians can see Christian beliefs and values "played out" today is in the great mission field of the workplace. When non-Christians have an opportunity to see visible, practical Christianity in the marketplace, some will be drawn back to the church. We must adequately prepare and practically equip lay people who can have a godly impact in their sphere of influence: the workplace.
Our salvation in Christ is worked out in life by trusting in God and His Word, and by obeying His will. "Wherefore, my beloved as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil 2:12)
The Christian businessperson’s reward in this life and the life to come depends on being in right relationship in the following three areas:
- Submitting to the local Church and its leadership
- Accepting the rule of the Lord Jesus Christ in one’s own life
- Achieving stewardship in business
I. Relating to the Local Church and Its Leadership
The Christian business community and the Church community are two vitally important entities that God wishes to unite in order to accomplish powerful work for His Kingdom in these days. Yet in many churches across America, those two entities have a difficult time relating to one another. The businessperson comes into the church from a position in the world as a leader, authority figure, and a "boss" in society. Yet in the church, that person is commanded by God to:
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves" (Heb 13:1-7)
"And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant" (Matt 20:27)
"... But in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves" (Phil 2:3-4)
Once in the Church, the believer is now told to come under authority, not exercise authority. One is now told to serve, not to give orders. In the Church, one is an equal, not a superior. The person who is high-minded, proud, and self-important finds this a very difficult transition. Yet we are all instructed by God’s Word to make the transition.
II. Accepting the Rule of the Lord Jesus Christ in One’s Own Life
The Christian businessperson has an even greater challenge than adjusting to the Church and God’s people. He must also rightly adjust to God. The businessperson comes to God as an autonomous, self-sufficient person, who has built a business through hard work and creative thinking. And that thinking is strongly rooted in business and human strategies, not in supernatural things.
When the businessperson comes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, God says to:
- Trust in Him, not in riches or strategies
- Be a giver, not a taker
- Be a servant, not a ruler
1 Timothy 6:17-18 ("Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share. . . .") reminds the Christian businessperson to change from being in control to being a servant to God and to people. It changes the focus from the things of the world to the things of the Spirit.
III. Achieving Stewardship in Business
God has six main purposes for believers to be in business, according to the Bible:
- To provide for one’s own needs.
Psalm 111:5 says, "He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His Covenant forever." It is not wrong to earn a satisfactory living for one’s family. In fact, God expects us to work.
- To provide for the needs of the Church.
God wants us to use every talent and possession that He has given us for His glory and for the extension of His Kingdom. The most valuable thing we can do is use what He has given us to make spiritual investments (1 Timothy 5:17-18 and 1 Corinthians 9:14).
- To provide for the harvest.
Those called into the realm of business have a special role to play in the last days’ harvest. They are to share the gospel with others. Many are destined to become part of a financial channel for God’s purpose in these final hours. Where products and services are produced and supplied, true wealth is built. Significant cash flow can be generated and channeled for the purposes of God. "You will be made rich in every way so you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."
(1 Corinthians 9:11)
- To demonstrate the miraculous.
God loves to demonstrate His power through supplying practical needs. He is glorified through this process. When we totally place our trust in Him, God meets our needs in ways we have never before experienced. There are many instances in business where God takes the opportunity to show His power.
- To demonstrate Godly influence to a lost world.
From their positions as a Christian business owner, professional or business manager, businesspeople are in a position of influence. They influence many people in the course of their daily activities. Successful businesspeople have always had a positive impact on their communities. They are looked to for leadership, inspiration, and wisdom. When they operate with the mind of Christ, are led by the Spirit and move in the power of God, they have great spiritual influence on employees, customers, vendors, and even competitors.
To be a Christian businessperson is not just an opportunity to be financially successful. Believers should see their position as part of God’s plan to use them to influence their community, to be a source to meet financial needs, and to have a platform to promote and demonstrate the "Good News" – locally, nationally, or internationally, as God determines – to everyone within their sphere of contact.
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