QUESTION: What are Christian business ethics?

ANSWER:

Christian business ethics are outlined specifically in the Bible. Here are a few examples of how we can work to glorify God.

• Understand that God called us to work.
• Genesis 2:15 - "The LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden in order to have him work it and guard it."
• Work in such a way that glorifies God
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 - "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God."
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• Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, whether by speech or action, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
• Work so that you can share with those who need it
• Ephesians 4:28 - "The thief must no longer steal but must work hard and do what is good with his own hands, so that he might earn something to give to the needy."
• Be faithful in your work so that you can earn respect from others
• 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 - "Also, make it your goal to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you, so that you may win the respect of outsiders, and have need of nothing."
• Do not be lazy or careless
• Proverbs 6:6-11 - "Go to the ant, you lazy man! Observe its ways and become wise. It has no commander, officer, or ruler, but prepares its provisions in the summer and gathers its food in the harvest. How long will you lie down, lazy man? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and your poverty will come on you like a bandit and your desperation like an armed man." Proverbs 10:5 - "Whoever harvests during summer acts wisely, but the son who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful." Proverbs 15:19 - "The lifestyle of the lazy is like a thorny hedge, but the path taken by the upright is an open highway."
• Provide for yourself and family
• 1 Timothy 5:8 - "If anyone does not take care of his own relatives, especially his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Titus 3:14 - "Our own people should also learn to make good deeds a priority when urgent needs arise, so they won’t be unproductive."