Business With Godಮಾದರಿ

Most Christians agree life is about "loving God and loving others." And yet the business realm is where many of us can display hypocrisy. 

We believe God loves people and simultaneously spend our lives focused on amassing money. We may defend ourselves, thinking, "Well, it's for people." We essentially believe the end justifies the means. And we ignore the scores of scriptures where God consistently values people over money. 

Many institutions teach Milton Friedman's tenet of "shareholder supremacy" and that the primary purpose of business is "to increase shareholder value." In layman's terms, "the main purpose of business is to make the owner(s) as much money as possible."  

I propose to you "shareholder supremacy" isn't compatible with Christianity. As you will read, it is in direct contradiction to the words of Jesus. When money becomes our primary focus, we lose the real focus: God. And we also lose what God greatly cares about (so much so He sent His only Son): people!

Fortunately, God is not different in business, and neither are His intentions. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in any sphere of society. His intention in business is to display His love and goodness to the world. 

And so here are the questions:

1. What does business look like when people are more important than money?

2. How do you need to shift your priorities to match God's priorities?