What should be the distinguishing features of a Christian business?

TL;DR:

A Christian business should reflect God's character through integrity, excellence, and love in every interaction—with employees, customers, and competitors. The way we treat others, our customers, employees, and peers should consistently demonstrate a heart devoted to Christ.

what does the bible say?

A Christian business should seek to reflect God’s character through integrity, excellence, and love in every decision and relationship. The Bible teaches that diligent, honest work leads to lasting success, while actions rooted in dishonesty or laziness do not honor God. Believers are called to do all things for God’s glory, with love and fairness toward others, including employees and customers. Christian businesses should be committed to high standards, generous treatment of people, and practices that align with biblical values. Ultimately, to run a business God’s way, we must know His Word and live it out in every aspect of leadership and service.

from the old testament

Choosing laziness brings poverty and lack of success, however, diligent work brings wealth and accomplishment (Proverbs 10:4).
Money gained dishonestly will not last, but patience in earning money causes successful growth (Proverbs 13:11).
Christians are guided to commit everything they do to God, and, in turn, God will establish their plans (Proverbs 16:3).
Diligence and patience in work brings prosperity and any wealth brought about by dishonesty will not last (Proverbs 21:5–6).

from the new testament

Whatever believers do, all of it should be done for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
We, as believers, are to do everything in love (1 Corinthians 16:14).
Paul reminds early Christian masters, those over slaves and servants, to be fair in their dealings, because they too have a Master in heaven (Colossians 4:1).
Believers are to devote themselves to doing good as a result of their faith. Doing this is profitable and excellent for everyone (Titus 3:8).

implications for today

The Bible gives much guidance that is readily applicable for Christian business owners and managers. We see three Christian characteristics which form the core of what it means to be a Christian business: integrity, a commitment to excellence, and a commitment to people.

Essentially, integrity is doing what is right. We gain our understanding of right and wrong from the Bible. We should be regularly studying the Bible and gleaning from it God’s commands and expectations. Biblical principles should be the basis of all our decisions and the filter through which we do all things.

A commitment to excellence will show in the way we treat people who work at our businesses and the way customers are treated. It will especially show in our service and products. When we are devoted to good service and good products, our business reflects our Christian faith well.

Maybe most important, the way we treat employees, peers, competitors, and customers will reveal our Savior. Compensation should be generous, our recognition of good performance should be generous, and growth opportunities should be generous. God is generous, so we must be as well if we want to reflect Him. Businesses that provide opportunities to meet the needs of its employees gain loyalty, hard work, and productivity. Christian businesses should treat their customers fairly. Clearly a business is intended to make a profit, but its aim should be to serve customers in a way that reflects the love of Christ.

Remember that if we want to build a business based on biblical principles, we must know the Bible and its Author then commit to following what He instructs there (James 1:22).

understand

Christian businesses should be built on diligent work and honesty.
Christian businesses should reflect God’s character and Christ in the way they treat customers and employees alike.
All Christians, business owner or not, should do everything through love and for the glory of God.

reflect

How are you reflecting God’s character in the way you approach your work?
How do you reflect God’s character in the way you treat people in your workplace or business?
How do you seek God’s guidance through His Word as you make decisions and interact with others?

engage

What practical steps can we take to ensure our business decisions consistently reflect God’s character?
How can we hold each other accountable to operate with integrity, excellence, and love in our workplace?
What does it look like to be generous as God is generous—especially in a competitive business environment?