Faith and Commerce
Running a business as a person of faith comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges. Many Christian business owners look for ways to integrate their religious beliefs with their professional lives.
The Bible has plenty to say about business, from guarding your heart against greed to trusting in God’s provision when times are tough. There is abundant scripture about business, and we’re going to dive into some of the most essential verses and discuss how you can apply them to your life.
Our goal is to provide a faith-based framework for Christian entrepreneurs to achieve success and find peace in their ventures.
Guarding Your Heart in the Marketplace
Running a business is hard work. It’s also an emotional rollercoaster. That’s why it’s important to protect your heart and mind as you go about your business.
The Importance of a Guarded Heart
Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (NLT) That’s a pretty powerful statement, and it’s especially applicable in the world of business.
What we allow into our minds will influence our thoughts and emotions, and those thoughts and emotions will ultimately affect our actions and decisions. In business, negative feedback, online negativity, and simple business setbacks can be incredibly damaging if we let them take root.
It’s crucial to filter out those external pressures and instead stay focused on what God wants for you.
Practical Steps for Guarding Your Heart
So, how can you protect your heart in the marketplace?
- Evaluate what you’re letting into your heart. What kind of advice are you taking? Are you constantly comparing yourself to others? What motivates you? Are you seeking validation from external sources, or are you grounded in your faith? Be choosy about the information and influences you allow into your life.
- Focus on positive and uplifting messages. Limit your exposure to negativity and seek out sources of encouragement. Surround yourself with supportive, like-minded people who share your values.
- Remember that praise and positive reviews aren’t the main goal. It’s natural to want people to like your products or services, but God’s plan for your life and business should always come first.
Trusting in the Lord: A Foundation for Business Success
Can scriptural principles guide you toward business success? Many believe they can, especially in the area of leaning on God, not yourself, for direction.
The Call to Trust
Proverbs 3:5-6 gives us the following advice: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (NLT)
This is especially important for business owners, who face a lot of uncertainty and have to make decisions every day.
Trusting in God means remembering that He’s in charge and asking for His guidance in every decision you make. It means giving up control and relying on His wisdom instead of your own. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use your brain, of course. It just means you should ask God to guide your intellect.
Overcoming Uncertainty Through Faith
Business challenges can cause feelings of uncertainty and overwhelm. At these times, it’s important to remember to trust in God instead of yourself or anyone else.
When things feel overwhelming, turn to God and ask for guidance on how to trust Him. Ask Him what trusting Him would look like in a specific situation.
Remember that God will provide for your needs, and anxiety about worldly concerns should be replaced with faith that He will come through for you.
How can you put this into practice? Seek God’s will through prayer and Bible study. Spend time in prayer, asking for clarity and direction. Meditate on scripture, seeking wisdom and understanding.
Finding Rest and Peace in the Midst of Business Burdens
Running a business can be all-consuming, and the stress can feel overwhelming. How can you find a sense of calm amid the chaos?
Jesus’ Invitation to Rest
In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus offers an invitation to find rest in Him amid the burdens of life. Here’s how that passage reads in the New Living Translation:
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
This is a promise of comfort and hope for weary business owners. After all, as a business owner, you’re probably carrying a load of financial pressures, employee management issues, and strategic decisions. It can feel like a crushing weight.
Jesus offers a refuge from these burdens, promising rest for your soul. Accepting His yoke means aligning with His will and letting Him guide you.
Practical Exercises for Finding Rest
How can you put this into practice? Journaling, prayer, and carving out time for reflection can help you manage your burdens. Try writing down your worries and then giving them over to God through journaling or prayer walks. Create space for quiet reflection and prayer.
Also, prioritize self-care and Sabbath rest. Take time to disconnect from work and focus on spiritual renewal. Engage in activities that bring you joy and refreshment.
Here’s a simple exercise you can try: Intentionally set aside time each day to connect with God through prayer and scripture reading. Use that time to surrender your worries and anxieties to Him.
Seeking God’s Kingdom First: Prioritizing Eternal Values
The Bible has a lot to say about living a life of faith, and that includes your professional life. One of the central themes is prioritizing God’s kingdom above all else.
The Promise of Provision
Matthew 6:30-33 assures us that God will provide for our needs when we seek His kingdom first.
And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:30-33, NLT
This passage encourages us to focus on eternal values rather than worldly concerns.
In the context of business, this means prioritizing integrity, ethical practices, and serving others. It involves aligning our business goals with God’s purpose for our lives. Seeking the Kingdom first transforms our perspective on success.
Living Righteously in Business
So, what does it look like to live righteously in business?
It means making decisions based on biblical principles, even when it’s difficult. It means treating employees, customers, and suppliers with fairness and respect, and being honest in all your dealings, avoiding deceptive practices.
It also means using your business as a platform to make a positive impact on the world, supporting charitable causes, promoting ethical sourcing, and creating opportunities for others.
Remember that true success is measured not only by profit, but also by the impact we have on others. Turn to God when business feels overwhelming or uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Proverbs 16:3 in business?
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” In a business context, this means entrusting your business endeavors and decisions to God, seeking His guidance, and aligning your work with His principles. It suggests that when you dedicate your work to God, you’re more likely to find success and stability.
What Bible verse to read for business growth?
There isn’t one single “magic” verse, but several can inspire business growth. Consider Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” for perseverance. Also, Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” can encourage reliance on God’s wisdom in decision-making. Ultimately, the best verse is the one that resonates with your heart and motivates you.
What does scripture say about business?
Scripture doesn’t offer a specific “business manual,” but it provides principles for ethical conduct. It emphasizes honesty, fairness, hard work, and generosity. Passages like Proverbs 11:1 (“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight”) highlight the importance of integrity in all business dealings. The Bible encourages using wealth responsibly and caring for others.
Which psalm is for business?
Again, there isn’t one specific psalm exclusively for business. However, Psalm 37, which focuses on trusting in the Lord and not envying the wicked, can be encouraging when facing business challenges. Psalm 23, which speaks of God’s provision and guidance, can also be a source of comfort and strength for business owners.
Wrapping Up
Blending your faith and your business can be a difficult balancing act. But when you bring your faith to work, you can use grace and wisdom to navigate the challenges of the marketplace if you follow the teachings of the Bible.
Remember that God walks beside you every step of the way, offering guidance, help, and peace. Use your business as a way to serve others and to glorify God. Seek His kingdom first, and you’ll find rest in Him.
May your business always be a testament to His faithfulness and a blessing to everyone you meet.