Please respond to the following discussion. Please write in first person. No comments such as ” I agree with the writer, they made a good point but, the writer failed to.. or etc”
This discussion is based off: Jeff Van Duzer – Why Business Matters to God [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3m0q2d8Dq4
Discussion 2: Why Business Matters to God
COLLAPSE
In the video, the speaker talked about the varying views on Christians in business; some think that Christians should be minimally involved and others think it would all be well and good if politics were taken out of the picture (RedeemerCFW, 2012). Further, it was said in the video that business is a social construct, and God cares about that. The Bible, throughout, makes it clear that God cares about how people treat each other and interact, so it is a “no brainer” that God would definitely care about the social elements that exist in and because of businesses.
McMahon (2018) said that small businesses are the heartbeat of communities. The way our world runs really depends heavily on the existence of businesses as if they are the heart. Even Jesus made mention to a business, God’s business, in Luke 2:49, when he said: “I must be about my Father’s business” (King James Bible, 1769/n.d.). Additionally, if we are made in God’s image (likeness, nature), then we have certain attributes that are inherent to our nature which we have a calling or inborn need to express and exhibit (Genesis 1:26, New International Version, 1798/2011). That is, business allows people the opportunity to express those attributes through meaningful and creative pursuits. Even someone who is simply typing a letter is creating something and providing a meaningful service.
Beyond the creative aspects of expressing one’s God-likeness, the social construct of business, and social nature of business, creates an opportunity for people to demonstrate the love of God from one to another. Business involvement also allows people to create a better world, whether by providing an improved product/service or by “giving back” via charitable endeavors by way of business success. In this way, business plays into the grand scheme of God granting the world to humans to better it and bring the kingdom of God to earth. Business is therefore a bridge and a tool that people can use to bring the kingdom.
The speaker in the video said that profit exists to enable the business to serve (RedeemerCFW, 2012). This flips the usual business philosophy on its head in that the traditional belief is that profit exists to pad the pockets of shareholders, and service comes as a byproduct – sometimes. The speaker further called profit a tool – it is necessary but not the main point; profit is the means to an end, which end should be serving.
McFarland (2019) said: “business is all about relationships – and Got is all about relationships.” The Bible says that people’s relationships can be life-giving or toxic. For example, “In the tongue is the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV). One may speak life or speak death, blessings or curses. That is the power of being created in the image of God, who, by His spoken word and will, created all that is. It is common knowledge today that businesses can destroy communities, and even the planet at large, or build them up and help heal and sustain the earth. God of course cares about this because it is reflective of humanity’s stewardship of his creation.
References
King James Bible. Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/King-James-Version-KJV-Bible/ (Original work published 1769).
McFarland, R. (2019, March 23). Your business is God’s business (why your work matters to God). https://www.christianpost.com/voices/your-business-is-gods-business-why-your-work-matters-to-god.html
McMahon, L. (2018, February 14). Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. https://www.sba.gov/blog/small-businesses-are-heart-our-communities
New International Version Bible. (2011). Zondervan. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/ (Original work published 1978).
RedeemerCFW. (2012, May 18). Jeff Van Duzer – Why Business Matters to God [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3m0q2d8Dq4
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