Put Your Money Where Your Faith Is
I was honored when Jacquelyn Lynn interviewed me for her book, Christian Business Almanac: The Ultimate Daily Guide for Kingdom-Driven Entrepreneurs and Leaders. We talked about a number of important issues related to being a Christian in the marketplace.
When she asked me if the faith of the owners of companies we do business with matters, my response was an unequivocal yes. Here’s the article she wrote from that part of our conversation (you’ll also find it on May 20 of the Christian Business Almanac).
Why do business with other Christians?
When you’re choosing what companies to buy from, does the faith of the owner(s) matter? Krystal Parker, president of the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce, says yes.
“We believe that Christians in business serve with excellence and ethics, so you’re going to get great service and maybe above and beyond what you would expect with just another businessperson,” Parker says.
Beyond the immediate benefit of a positive transaction is the multiplier effect. “When you do business with someone who shares your values, the dollars you spend with them not only support their business, but there’s a multiplier effect of where they spend their money,” Parker says. The profits from Christian businesses tend to support other businesses and causes that are compatible with Christian values. And you won’t be supporting companies that support initiatives you disagree with.
Doing business with other Christians can help you both strengthen your faith and your respective companies.
“As Christians, we have to be wise about who we allow to speak into our lives. Yes, iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), but you don’t want to be sharpened by just any businessperson,” Parker says. “As it says in Proverbs 13:20 (NRSV), ‘Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.’ Walk with other Christians so you can all increase in wisdom.”
Being intentional about patronizing Christian businesses helps those organizations grow and increases their ability to serve and make a difference. Parker says, “We have to take back that economic mountain, that economic sphere of influence.”
Don’t be sharpened by just anyone. Remember that multiplier effect and put your money where your faith is.
Christian Business Almanac: The Ultimate Daily Guide for Kingdom-Driven Entrepreneurs and Leaders by Jacquelyn Lynn is available on Amazon (click here) and wherever fine books are sold.
