When you build a Christian business, you build a business that is different from other businesses in the world. It is a business that glorifies God. It is a business that serves others. It is a business that honors the sacrifice Jesus
made when he died for our sins. YES, it can still be wildly successful and profitable! But when you build a Christian business, you operate under certain principles given to us by God Himself.
This article examines scripture to share seven principles to help you build a Christian business.
7 Principles to Build a Christian Business
These principles are based on the Word of God as found in both the Old and New Testament. Keep them in mind as you build a Christian business that glorifies His name!
- Know Your Priorities
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
The first principle to build a Christian business is to know your priorities. These verses remind
us that God should be our number one priority, and only when we seek Him will things be added to us. All we see and experience here on earth is temporary. As you build your business, try not to let things of this world distract
you from the eternal treasures awaiting you after this life.
- Get Clear on Your Purpose
I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
Owning a business is a means to make a living, but let that not be the sole purpose of your business. Although you receive profit, what you give to customers is more important—you can solve a specific problem and help them enjoy
positive benefits. As such, your business is a way to serve others, not just a way to make money. Stay focused on giving to your customers, and you will please them and our heavenly Father.
- Set Big Goals
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.
Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
The verse above reminds us that God can do more than we can ever imagine. Are you placing your own limitations on your business about how far you can go or what you can reach? Set them aside, and
let God show you what He can do!
As Philippians 4:6 says, “…but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Every thing is italicized here to remind you that you
can bring all your cares and worries to God. So dream big, and turn to God daily with thanksgiving and prayer.
- Do Honest Work
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. Proverbs 16:8
Let honesty be at the forefront of all you do in your business. This includes how you build your products and services,
how you market and sell them, and how you treat your customers and employees.
In today’s society, you will likely see other companies who lie and cheat their way to success. But, of course, as a Christian, you know that
your treasures are in heaven, not here on earth. You can also trust that He will provide for you and reward your faithfulness.
- Work with Diligence
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. Proverbs 10:4
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
Proverbs 13:11
Keep in mind that it takes a lot of work to grow a profitable business. There may be times when you want to throw in the towel, or you may be tempted to cut corners to save time and effort. Don’t give in
to these temptations! Instead, when your spirit grows weary, turn to God’s Word for motivation, and then get back to work building your business.
- Practice Humility
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
Many verses in the Bible remind us of how God calls us to be humble. For example, recall the dispute among the apostles
about who among them was the greatest. Jesus’s response? The greatest is the one who humbles himself as a servant.
The verse from Proverbs, listed above, points out the consequences of not following God’s instruction—pride
leads to destruction and demise. So, as your business grows bigger, avoid the temptation to grow proud of what you accomplished, remaining humble and remembering that everything you have is a gift from God.
- Stand Out
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Ephesians 5:8
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which
is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
A final principle to build a Christian business is to let the world see your light! In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us, “I am the light of the world.” As we are saved by Jesus’s blood, we
are thus told to “walk as children of light,” representing Jesus to those around us and glorifying the Father in heaven.
Those around you – customers, employees, etc. – should be able to see that your business is different
by the way it operates. If you follow all the principles on this list to build a Christian business, it should be evident to the world that you are different. Standing out by the way we live our Christian lives is one way we can
tell people about our marvelous Savior. God uses us to bring others to Jesus, and he can use your business too.
On a final note, let’s consider this impactful statement found in the Gospel of Mark:
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36
As you build your Christian business, keep in mind that your ultimate reward is in heaven no matter how successful you become here on earth.