The Practice Of Equality In The Christian Business

The earliest Christians were different from their fellow men.

Are Christians in business today different from their fellow men?  Can fellow men point to you and say – “He is a Christian.”

Or, do your fellow men regard you as one of them.  Just another man, among men.  Nothing different.  Nothing to distinguish you from them.

The earliest Christians, who lived in times not very different from ours, were easily distinguished from their fellow men.

No, they did not wear a gaudy mantle.  Or, an eye catching girdle.  Or, fancy sandals.

They were easily distinguished from their fellow men because they had “put on Christ” [Galatians 3:27 KJV – King James Version]

Having “put on Christ” they had become “a new creature” [2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV]. 

A new creature, because, in Paul’s words “old things are passed away; behold, all things are made new” [ibid.]

The old sinful behaviors had been left behind.  And, a new behavior had been adopted.

As Paul puts it – “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him….. [Colossians 3:10 KJV].  That is, we have become like Christ.

That, like Christ, we see all men as Equal.

“Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all” [Colossians 3:10 KJV].

If Christ is “in all”, then, can those of us who are in a Christian business, treat each other unequally?

Can the Christian Business Owner lord it over others?

Jesus explicitly prohibits it.

The Gentiles, the nonChristians, the Capitalists, exercise lordship over their people [Luke 22:25 KJV], says Jesus.         

“But ye shall not be so…..” [Luke 22:26].

Jesus’ message is clear – no Christian Business Owner can be the Boss of anyone else.

And, it is in this that the Christian Businessman is different from the Capitalist.

Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals. He is a Certified Catechist. Holds a 3-year [part-time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

Material published under the byline Egbert F Bhatty on washingtonhotwire.com may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.  Attribution, though not required, will be greatly appreciated.  “…..freely ye have received, freely give.”  [Matthew 10:8 KJV -- King James Version]