Introduction
Christianity provides people with good values of life such as honesty, hard work, integrity, kindness, sincerity among many others. All these values are what guides Christian’s relationship with the environment and other people. The Christians have hard it difficult in determining the best practices in the business. The Christians struggle to be in the business world as well as maintain their integrity. There have been numerous accusations on business world, for instance, one cannot be honest and be in business. Such allegations and stereotypes make it difficult for the Christians to be in business. Richard Chewning et al. in their book Business through the Eyes of faith sought to address the difficult issues facing the Christians. In this paper, I will review the arguments of these authors on both sides.
Christians have over time viewed business as evil. The same is depicted by Chewning et al. in the book Business through the Eyes of Faith. It is noted that there is an amount of tension between Christianity and business. However, the authors of the book counter this argument through stating the good side of business. According to the authors, business comprises of legal structures of work whereby people express their dominion over creation. It enhances individuals to plan, follow, organize, lead and develop skills in various areas; all of these mirroring the Godly qualities. Indeed business provides humanity with a platform to cement their Godly virtues. A business man would wish to be successful through provision of quality and efficient services and products. There is no other way of achieving such unless through practicing honest and integrity. Being sincere to one’s clients creates that bondage between the clients and the business persons, hence building a good customer loyalty. Therefore as Chewning argues people should view business from a Christianity point of view. A Christian guided by the values of Christianity would stick by them and employ them in his/her business and still be successful. It is without any dispute that there exist people who handle business in an evil manner. However that does not mean we generalize the business world in entirety, there are those people who have good and godly practices too. As the saying goes, one cannot burn the entire house because of a rat.
The ethical standards in business are slowly deteriorating. According to Chewning et al. leadership ought to be inculcated in business. The society currently needs business leaders who are guided by the values they possess to transform the decaying practices in business. Besides, the business needs Christian leaders who are open to the will of God as well as be eager to be very active in their work. The business people can be used just as the preachers and the missionaries to transform, guide and lead people (Chewning et al., 1990, p.45). In addition, it provides the managers and heads of businesses a good working relationship among their employees. The leaders also will be able to draft and design their visions, missions and values aligned to Christianity. The book does put emphasis on good leadership towards realizing good business practices. The Christian business leaders according to the book are models of the moral behavior. They have a responsibility to articulate and undertake the vision of the business. Besides, it is there responsibility of the business leaders to enhance creativity and enhance creativity and growth. Also, they ought to manage the business’ procedures and functions of an organization (Chewning et al., 1990, p.72).
Besides, the authors of Business through the Eyes of faith, demonstrated business in terms of work. Chewning et al. attributed business as an institution of God’s intention, where we can serve one another. (Chewning et al., 1990, p.86). St. Paul argued in the bible that whoever does not work should not eat. Business is a form of work whereby some individuals get their daily income to feed themselves. Secondly if business did not exist how people could get the things that they need yet they did not have. Through business the society is able to exchange commodities to ensure that everybody gets what is needed. Jesus demonstrated service through washing his disciples’ feet. As Christians in the current world, business gives those with ability of establishing them an opportunity to serve others. Besides, business brings the virtue of team work and respect for one another; virtues of Christianity. The people employed in a business are expected to work as a team and in respect for one another. The way we relate with one another in at work displays Christian values. It is impossible for various people to work in one business without cordial respect and unity of purpose.
Besides, the book authors insist on viewing work as a blessing from God. Many people do have a bad perception of work. In most cases people do not like working and they see work on the other side as a means of getting money so as to live. Paul the apostle in the bible says that people should not see working as a burden. The ability to work is a gift from God. The best way of thanking God for these gifts among other talents is through embracing them. Christians should view working as God’s gift. Generally Christians should possess a Christian worldview in their workplaces as well as businesses. After all, it is proven by research that if an individual work with passion and love of what he/she does, the outcome is always desirable.
Conclusion
Reference
Chewning, R. C., Eby, J. W., & Roels, S. J. (1990). Business through the eyes of faith. San Francisco: Harper & Row
