MLA
Presented in Partial Fulfilment
INDS 400: Capstone
Man was created in God’s image and given the responsibility and power over God’s creation. Therefore, man is expected work as commanded by God. Hence, as man works on Earth, he represents God the Creator. The purpose of this work is to bring both land and nature under God’s rule. Man, at the time of creation, was given the mandate to subdue the earth. Throughout the Holy Scriptures, man has been designated as God’s faithful servant. We are called in our different careers to serve for the glory of God. Through their careers, men and women can establish God’s reign in their occupations. Likewise, in the business career, men and women have been mandated to subdue the earth by offering their services to fellow humans through fruitful activities. Integration of the Christian perspective into a business career enhances one’s obedience to ethical principles and responsibilities in course of the career. This paper will focus on the incorporation of Bible scriptures and Christian principles into a business career.
Stewardship Principle
Business jobs should involve God as He is the one who ordains us into service. We should incorporate stewardship into the business career as real agents of God’s creation and not because we are accountable to the law. Christian principles are not to be used as substitutes to bible scriptures in our careers as business people. As Christians, we are required to use both the Bible scriptures and Christian principles to guide us through our careers. Given the need to create jobs in today’s world, we are not only required to do so because of the economic status of the society but because it is a Christian requirement. The Bible requires us to use specific Bible guidelines to work and support ourselves and the people who look up to us. According to 1 Thess. 4: 11, 12, we need to use our energy to work so as to be self-sufficient. The Bible, in this essence, denounces laziness. Business is one area through which we can work to support ourselves and stop depending on others.
The Principle of Honesty
As a businessperson, honesty is a major Christian principle. As a Christian in business and other occupations, one is required to practice the principle of honesty. In serving fellow humankind, we should serve them with honesty and truth. Not because of our cultural or law requirement but because we have been commanded to do so by God. According to Proverbs 16:11, honest scales and balances belong to God and the weight of the bag has been put there by God. The business career is a calling from God and as creations in His image, we are required to obey His word. Christians in the business world are not obliged to cheat customers and rob of their money. Clients should get what they have paid for and what they rightly deserve. Cheating in business is against God’s command and the law. All Christians in business are therefore obligated by the Bible scripture to practice honesty as it is a virtue instituted by God.
The Principle Justice
Business people are required by the Bible scripture and Christian principle to be just in their dealings. According to the Deut. 32:4, we are told of God’s justice works. Our God is a God of Justice, and as God’s agents created in His image, we are required to emulate God. It is crucial to note that justice is an important principle in business. Distribution of resources and profits must be conducted equally and equitably among others. Justice in business enables Christians maintain positive relationships with others in the society and settle disagreements in a fair process. According to the Bible, (Isaiah 28:20, Jer. 22:3, Ezek.45:9, Col. 3:24, 25), Christians are required to deal fairly with others without favoritism. As such, any form of corruption, bribery, and coercion should not be allowed in business dealings.
The Principle of Effectiveness and Efficiency
Human beings have been given the energy, good health, and resources for their livelihood. As Christians, we are supposed to use all these gifts as efficiently and effectively as possible. We are required to work toward maximizing our outputs towards the society. God does not encourage people to waste the possessions that He bestows on them. God has given us creativity and talents that we should use for our benefit and that of others. Christians in business are, therefore, required to use all these God-given gifts and resources to maximize their output. In Math. 25 Jesus uses a parable to teach Christians about the importance of talents. In this scripture, Jesus denounces the lazy servant who buried his talent in the ground. This scripture teaches Christians in business about sound management habits. Christians are not expected to be idle and waste their God-given talents. In investing, for instance, mutual funds should use sound investing principles to avoid wasting investor equity.
The Principle of Free Market System
Christianity upholds the principles of a free market. Businesspersons should have the freedom to engage in a business career for profit and financial rewards. According to the Scriptures, human beings have the duty to work and not restrain others from doing so (Proverbs 14:23). It is, therefore, clear that Christianity does not support laws and regulations that restrict free business operations. Additionally, Christianity believes in the principle of equality in the business arena. When issuing business permits, the government should give all people a chance to engage in business without favoritism since this is a command from God.
The Principle of Fair Treatment of Employees
In the business field, individuals are bound to work directly, or indirectly with their employers. Whatever the case, employers have been instructed to treat their employees/servants with fairness. The Holy Scriptures command masters to provide to slaves what is right and fair (Col. 4:1). We are all under a free and equitable God who provides for us. Business people are, therefore, required to compensate their workers fairly without robbing them off their effort. Christianity advocates for equality and equity in the compensation of rewards in the business arena. Business owners should abide by this principle as they have been commanded by God Himself, who is our master. Human beings are created in the likeness of God and, therefore, should do what is right and just as God does.
Responsibility for the Payment of Taxes
Business owners have the obligation to pay tax dues not because of the law in place but because their business has a Christian foundation. God commands all His servants in business to pay their dues. Dodging tax or revenue is a sin, and all people working in the image and likeness of God are required to pay their tax. In Matt. 22:17-21, when the Pharisees asked Jesus if it is noble to pay tax to Caesar, Jesus said that they should give to Caesar what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God. In Romans 13:6-7 Christians have been asked by Apostle Paul to pay their taxes. He justifies payment of tax by recognizing that God chooses the authorities. As such, we should obey them as it translates to following God. Tax payment is, therefore, a command from God.
Rest from Work
The fourth Commandment, to remember the Sabbath, recognizes the need for rest after work. Even though different Christians hold diverse views about the Sabbath, this commandment implies that Christians in business should take a break and give their workers a break to rest and worship God. In the business industry, Christians are urged to create time for God too. The fourth commandment also stresses the importance of work. In John 5:17, Jesus confirms that God is always at work and that also Jesus is working. The essence of this message is to work hard following in the footsteps of Jesus and our Creator, God. Christians in business should work and set aside a day for rest and worship God.
Summary
In summary, all work is instituted by God. Incorporating Christian worldview in business is significant in practicing good morals in the way we treat other people. Christian principles act as a guideline on how people engage in business. Businesspeople should be stewards in the careers they have been chosen to do by practicing good management, honesty and fairness in their businesses. Additionally, Christians are required to work effectively and efficiently and remember to observe the Sabbath. Businesspersons are also compelled to treat their servants fairly and pay their taxes dutifully. Finally, business policies should encourage a free market system where all are allowed to engage in business on equal terms.
Conclusion
As we integrate our Christian perspective and business, we use both the Scripture, directly and indirectly, when applying Christian principles in the business career. This paper tries to outline the biblical foundation of the principles in business. A business career is a calling from God, and this article illustrates how we are called into careers and occupations to serve God through our service to humanity. Moreover, this article uses principles derived from the Bible and direct quotations from the Scripture to illustrate our responsibility in the business career. This paper should serve as a guideline on which we can build our careers. The paper also summarizes the fact that everyone is personally responsible to God. Christians in business are held accountable for their actions to both God and other people. This is the foundation of a successful business career.
References
American Bible Society. Holy Bible: New International Version. New York: Zondervan, 1984. Print.
Boersema, John. Political-Economic Activity to the Honour of God. Winnipeg: Premier Publishing, 1999. Print.
Duzer, Jeff Van. Why Business Matters to God (And What Still Needs to Be Fixed). Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2010. Print.
Sherman, Amy. Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship For the Common Good. Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2012. Print.
Stacy, L, Jackson. "Christian Perspectives on Business Ethics: Faith, Profit, and Decision Making." Business & Professional Ethics Journal (2004): 23(4) 115-133. Print.
Veith, Gene Edward. God at Work: Your Christian Vocation. Wheaton: Good News Publishers, 2002. Print.
