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What is a Christian Businessman?

Does a Christian naturally conflict with his business responsibilities? Does survival in the modern business world mean ignoring Jesus' teaching on personal conduct? Some would say it does. They argue that a capitalist economy is founded in greed and self-exaltation, so no one can do business according to Jesus' teaching on compassion. On the other side, some believe that God is not concerned with secular things like business life, so a businessman who simply donates to the church is obeying all that God has asked of him. They say that God only cares about what a man believes in his heart, not how he lives in the world. That is, He isn't concerned so long as the man stays within a few general principles on being nice to people.

In CBMC, we believe that a Christian can and should conduct his business according to the Bible. Any conflict between business practices and Biblical principles isn't within the nature of business itself; it's within individual businessmen.

When Paul appeals to Roman Christians to give themselves up "as a living sacrifice" and to "be transformed by the renewal of [their minds]," he meant that their whole lives, not just their Sunday habits, should be in submission to the Lord (Rom 12:1-2). The Lord created the world and our work in it for his glory. He calls us to honor him in every part of our lives, not just select parts of it.

What may be lost in some circles is that Christianity is a whole-life perspective; it is a way of living and viewing the world. No part of life is excluded as if the Lord is not interested in it.

The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers. (Psalm 24:1-2)

This does not refer to nature alone. Industry and computers have not taken us away from this truth. Everything remains the Creator's possession, even what we commonly call "man-made." And every profession or job is of interest to the Lord.

Being a Christian businessman means working in honor of the Lord. It doesn't mean having a painting of a Renaissance artist's idea of Jesus in the office. It doesn't mean having a Bible on the desk. It means working from a Christian perspective, bearing witness to the Lord through integrity, wisdom, love, and humility. That is the hallmark of a Christian in business, whether he's an employee or a CEO. His work, even in a large, seemingly heartless corporation, is meant to be for the glory of God.

Author Bob Tamasy tells a story of meeting with a man in a restaurant and having Bibles on the table. His server asked if they were pastors. He said, "No, we're businessmen, but the Bible is the best business book you will find."

That's what we mean by being Christian businessmen. The Bible teaches us how to live a life honoring to God, and business is big part of life.

The Lord who created the earth and all humanity does not call us to live compartmentalized lives, keeping our faith confined to Sunday and living differently during the week. He calls use to integrated lives based on His Word. What is taught from the pulpit should have an application to our work in the office and at home. Good theology is practical, because God is honored by common work.

CBMC aims to help businessmen and professionals, both Christian and non-Christian, become followers of Jesus Christ in every area of life. Through discipleship tracks like Operation Timothy, we help nurture an individual's character, teaching basic ideas from the Bible, which are applicable to all of life. Through business groups like CBMC FORUMS, we help apply Biblical wisdom to business decision-making so that men can run their companies or departments from a Christian perspective. That's the purpose of CBMC, recruiting and training Christian businessmen and professionals for the glory of the Lord God. By working through our personal and team ministry opportunities, businessmen can learn of the Lord Jesus and become His disciples. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is the essence of a Christian businessman.
(CBMC National)



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