Do Business Ethics Align with the Bible?

In today’s culture, there are many different types of businesses. For example, there are companies who actively try to gain as much money as possible and exploit customers, there are non-profit organizations, and there Christ-centered companies who reference the gospel in their day-to-day practices and actions. Even though these companies may employ redemptive entrepreneurship in their behavior, do their business ethics align with the Bible?

Take Hobby Lobby for example, a Christian arts and crafts store founded in 1970. Hobby Lobby donates regularly to God-centered businesses and schools like OneHope, EveryHome for Christ, YouVersion, Museum of the Bible, and Oral Roberts University. These are all companies that try to integrate Christian practices into their lives and support the Christian community. Donating your money is absolutely a Biblical practice and one that is celebrated throughout the Bible, especially in the New Testament. Hobby Lobby also states that they are committed to “honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with Biblical principles.” It may be vague, but seeing how the company operates, we can say that this business follows at least a few main Christian principles that are also ethically sound.

Another Christian company, Chick-fil-A, is an example of redemptive business practices in today’s world. Chick-fil-A is a Christian business in the food industry that was founded in 1946. Founded by S. Truett Cathy, a Christian who first began the company, created the company with God in mind and stated that it would be closed on Sunday to honor the Sabbath. Their purpose statement even says, “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A.” Their purpose statement and their principal of closing on Sunday are both excellent examples of their business practices aligning with Biblical principles. So, for Chick-fil-A at least, we can say that their business ethics match the Bible.

Even though these are both great examples of God-based businesses leading their companies with Biblical and ethical practices, it is known that not all professing Christian companies hold up their end of the deal. As disappointing as it may be, all we can do is to pray and try and influence the culture in a Biblical and positive manner in our lives. Let’s continue to go out and support these Christian companies and change our culture and lead them to God.