Difficult Issues Facing The Christian Business

There are 3 major issues facing the Christian Business.

Love, Equality, and the exercise of Our Lord’s dictum about Free/Freely.

Love and Equality have been addressed in previous posts.  Here we will consider the very difficult Christian concept of “Free” and “Freely”.

Jesus was halfway through His Ministry [February 27 AD Reese Chronology]: 

“And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power [Matthew 10:1 KJV – King James Version]…..[to] Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils:” [Matthew 10:8 KJV]

The bequeathing of this awesome Power to the Apostles came with an equally awesome injunction.  They could not use this Power to enrich themselves. 

Because “…..freely ye have received, freely give.” [ibid.]   

What the Lord Jesus Christ is saying to the Christian in Business, whether Worker, or Owner, or CEO, is this. 

The talent that you have is not of your making.  Whatever talent you have is talent I have given to you.  And, I have given it to you — free.  I have not charged you for it.  Why, then, would you turn around and charge for the talent that I have given you free?

The Acts and the Epistles tell us that the Apostles healed people.  Without charge.  Accepting no payment. 

They did not use their Power/talent to enrich themselves.

Should the Christian in Business, then, use the talent given to him by Our Lord Jesus Christ to enrich himself?

No.

In Love, he should work to enrich not himself, but Others.

In Equality, s/he should ensure that s/he was not richer than any Other.

And, s/he would do this because Freely having received the Power/the talent that s/he has from Our Lord Jesus Christ, Freely s/he will give back.

For the benefit of Man.  To the Glory of God.

Or — is this where the Christian in Business parts company with Christ?

 
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]