Business for the Glory of God
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BUSINESS FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
The Bible’s Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business
A Review by Erin Frye
August 8, 2016
BUSI 301 – D11
Liberty University Online
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In the book, “Business for the Glory of God”, the author, Wayne Grudem, states there are
many aspects of business that a Christian can use to glorify God. The main aspects are
Ownership, Productivity, Employment, Profit, Money and Borrowing and Lending. According to
Grudem, all these things can bring glory to God in the way they reflect the nature that is God and
His provision for man. God structured humans in such an intricate way to give them the ability to
provide food, shelter and clothing for themselves and families. He also designed us to be a part
of a community, one with an economic system for sustainability. The basis for all economic
systems is free enterprise. The ability to govern one’s own business and to set forth the mandates
therein is essential to the wellbeing of any strong economy. In today’s marketplace, many
consumers have become weary of businesses due to the high level of corruptness and the large
amount of government interference. Grudem suggest that rather than business being viewed with
inherently evil motives, consumers should understand that business activities are sometimes
manipulated and used as a means to sin. In this book, he proposes that the practice and nature of
business is a blessing given by God to mankind.
The Introduction and fist chapter begin by acknowledging that many view business
ownership as a means to procure money, and a lot of it. Rarely do people first come to the
conclusion of “going into business” as a means to serve God. The book states “few people
instinctively think of business as morally good in itself” (11). The book even goes as far as to
state that some feel “all ownership of property as a kind of ‘greed’ that is morally tainted” (19).
In God’s model for conducting business, not once does He state that the act of business is evil,
but rather the sinful ways that may accompany it, such as, greed, pride, theft, lust, idolatry and
dishonesty.
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Grudem addresses business ownership from the stance that all possessions are God’s and
that nothing truly belongs to or is owned by us. By replacing the word “ownership” with
“stewardship”, it helps to “remind us that what we ‘own’ we do not own absolutely, but only as
stewards taking care of what really belongs to God” (20). When applying this principle, it allows
us to view business ownership in a whole new light. We may use ownership as a tool to serve
others rather than as a means to line our own pockets.
In business, the key to success is efficient productivity. The author points out that in the
Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were expected to “work it and keep it” as stated in Genesis.
They were to be fruitful and multiply to produce food and humans. This required work that was
efficient and on time for the proper harvest. God’s intent was for the Earth to be the resource for
human sustenance. We were never intended to not benefit from the Earth and the things therein.
Rather they were to be a blessing and to be treated with respect. The items we produce from this
gift include food, clothing, shelter, technology, medical treatments and much more. God did not
promise that our production would provide and elaborate life or that even all humans would live
equally. Grudem notes, “The Bible does not teach a ‘health and wealth gospel’ (or at least not
until heaven!). In this present age, there are inequalities of gifts and abilities, and there are also
evil, oppressive systems in the world, and because of these things many of God’s most righteous
people will not be rich in this life. As for those who have large resources, they also are to be
content in God and trust in him, not in their riches…” (51, 55-56). This statement is in direct
disagreement with the thought process of many liberal commentators as well as politicians.
Marxist theory talks about the inequality of possession resulting from competition and
how this inequality is not a good thing. This leads us to the next topic of the book: employment.
Employment is a win-win situation for all involved when the employer treats those entrusted to
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his charge fairly and rewards them according to their merit. The Bible has multiple examples of
how God rewards based on merit. The parable of the talents is a prime example of how the Lord
will honor those who are trustworthy and diligent with what they are given. The present society
implements an anti-competition attitude not only in business but also in school and sports where
score is not taken in games and grades are not awarded. Not all are equipped to be business
owners. Without businesses that offer employment to others there would not be a means for
income. Lack of employment is proven to be extremely detrimental to society. Employers bear
the burden to justly reward their employees. The Bible states in Luke 10:7 that “the laborer
deserves his wages” (31). As such, the employee is instructed in Luke 3:14 to “be content with
your wages” (31). I agree with Grudem in his stance that an employer must never give in to the
temptation to rule his business with harshness and unfairness in an effort to retain more profit.
An employer has a prime opportunity to glorify God through his treatment of his employees and
set forth the example of Godly love.
A free society and capitalism is a good thing and encourages the nature of barter and
exchange. These exchanges are what stabilize our free economy. Grudem ties this concept back
to the nature of God and states that “Buying and selling are activities unique to human beings out
of all the creatures that God made…We can imitate God’s attributes each time we buy and sell, if
we practice honesty, faithfulness to our commitments, fairness, and freedom of choice” (36-37).
Indeed, “because of the interpersonal nature of commercial transactions, business activity has
significant stabilizing influence on a society” (37).
From these business transactions Grudem demonstrates an illustration of growth using an
illustration of a farmer and a mechanic. It talks about how a farmer and a mechanic both need
each other in order to succeed. Neither the farmer nor the mechanic like each other, but as stated
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they both need each other. Therefore it is to their mutual advantage to get along with each other,
and their animosity is restrained. Grudem states, “So it is with commercial transactions
throughout the world and even between nations. This is an evidence of God’s common grace,
because in the mechanism of buying and selling, God has provided the human race with a
wonderful encouragement to love our neighbor by pursuing actions that advance not only our
own welfare but also the welfare of others—even as we pursue our own” (37-38).
It is fitting that at this time in the book, the author addresses the topic of profit. The
“bottom line” is often the main goal in all business. At the end of the day, business owners want
to know how much is left – what is their profit? Profit can be a source of much good and of
much evil. This is frequently the area where we lose sight of the true mission. The goal for more
profit can make us greedy and often leads to poor decision making. Many questions arise is
securing the highest profit margin. Do I sacrifice my employees for more profit? Do I cut corners
on this transaction for more profit? Do I lie to the government for more profit? This is the time to
look at the means to securing more profit. Of course, the answer to the above questions should
always be “no”. God has called us to be faithful with what he has given. Applying Biblical truths
to business fundamentals will always result in more fruit or “profit”. The Bible tells us to be
efficient and wise with our money (Luke 19:13) and that we will be rewarded as a faithful
servant (Luke 19:17). When operated properly, a business can give us “the ability to earn a
profit…thus results in multiplying our resources while helping other people” (45).
Profit translates to more money and in turn can lead to wrong ideas on the inequality of
possessions. Grudem addresses this over the next few chapters. People are often heard saying,
“Money is the root of all evil” (47). However; the Bible never says this. The actual verse says,
“the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). In our society, money is what
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we have as a means to trade or barter. It also allows us to place a value on goods and services. It
also allows us to purchase items for our pleasure. In today’s world, people on varying scales of
the income scale allowing them to make different purchases. This is where the inequality of
possessions comes into play. If we set out to hoard money and possessions to make ourselves
more elevated and superior to others, then we have mishandled what God intended as a blessing.
The key here is the act of hoarding and the feeling of love toward money. It is all about our
attitude. It is not a sin to enjoy nice things. It is a sin to covet them and place before God. We
must always realize that the money and possessions belong to Him. “the silver is mine and the
gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts” Hag. 2:8 (49).
Grudem is able to also explain the process of borrowing and lending. He states in a
specific and helpful way. He gives the idea that borrowing and lending is evil but it is also a God
given gift to provide for mankind. He states that, “process of borrowing and lending multiplies
the available wealth in the world more times than it is possible to calculate” (71). Capitalism and
a free economy also play a part in world poverty. The book states the effect that business can
have on world poverty. In Grudem’s words, “That is because businesses produce goods, and
businesses produce jobs. And businesses continue producing goods year after year, and continue
providing jobs and paying wages year after year” (80-81).” According to Grudem there is only
one long term solution to world poverty is business. On the other hand world poverty is also
another reason for the negative attitude that the world community has towards business, Grudem
states. One reason for this is the exploitation of commercial transitions by sinful men. Every
human is capable of this. An important thing to realize is that our gifts and capital are given to us
by our Holy Father. He gave them us to be responsible in our actions of how we use them. We as
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we men should create and follow systems of law in order to reduce manipulation and
exploitation of others.
Overall Grudem explains his thoughts on why business, as a whole is good as well as
speaking to the dangers of materialism, envy and greed. One thing that sticks out is his
arguments about the fact that the inequality of possessions is the way God intended things to be.
Lastly, the book debates the idea that business is fundamentally evil. This book I would
recommend specifically to someone who is considering a career in the area of business
enterprise. It may help a young professional better understand God’s provision in the area of
business. Grudem does an excellent job in proving the reader with many points about business
and the glory that God can bring through business.
References
Grudem, W. (2003). Business for the Glory of GOD. Illinois: Crossways Books.
"Bible Gateway." Bible Gateway. N.p., n.d. Web.
