Biblical Accountability for Business LeadersChikamu

Biblical Accountability Expressed in Society

We’ve been created in God’s image, and given the task to make something of this world through creativity and hard work, showcasing His glory in the process (Genesis 1:28 and 2:15). It's a thrilling responsibility! But it is also sobering when we consider the impact of our businesses on the world around us.

In today's culture, the norm often leans towards taking shortcuts and pursuing the quickest path to power or profit. Biblical accountability in business, however, calls us to rise above what is acceptable. It challenges us to embrace a redemptive approach—moving beyond what we can get away with, and focusing instead on what we truly should be pursuing.

Firstly, it requires a God-ward orientation of self. The prevailing humanistic belief is that people are inherently good and just need a little bit of "polishing". However, this perspective contrasts sharply with the biblical understanding of humanity's fallen nature. Being overly optimistic about the human condition is a recipe for shock and disappointment, and it undermines our need for God and others. Although we’ve been justified by faith in Christ, we still contend with a natural inclination towards self-centredness. Overcoming this requires a daily dependence on God's grace, which comes to us through His Word, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the support of fellow believers. Living a life that pleases God is impossible without His help and the support of others.

Secondly, accountability shows up as a God-revealing expression in business. Traditionally, we have focused on accountability in our private lives. But God doesn’t care more about our private lives than He does about our public lives. His plan is for us to bring His Kingdom in every area of life – public as much as private (Ephesians 1:9–10). After all, as the owner of everything, God has entrusted us not only with families, but with businesses and jobs, too. We are just as accountable for our company's human resource policies, for instance, as we are for how we treat our family members.

Thirdly, biblical accountability makes a God-honouring impact on society. Our purpose from the beginning was to work towards the flourishing of the earth and society for God’s glory. The introduction of sin (Genesis 3) disrupted how we fulfil this mandate, but it didn't change the mandate itself. But our motives for work became selfish, and we face constant challenges, resulting in diminished fruit from our labour. The earth, with all its potential, now yields its treasures less easily, and our pursuit of civilisation has often led to environmental exploitation.

If you find all this a little depressing, you’re halfway towards understanding why you go to work every day. For the believer, work is not merely the pursuit of income and self-actualisation – it’s an ongoing redemption project. It's using our God-given abilities to restrain sin (push back the darkness) and minimise its impact in every area of our work and industry. This will allow society and the natural world to thrive. As business leaders, we're called to shine light and demonstrate a better way of doing business to the world. We're called to bring hope. And we do this by embracing biblical accountability. May God revolutionise your leadership as you steward His good gifts and courageously live accountable to Him and others.

This plan was adapted from the series, Biblical Accountability for Business Leaders, on RightNow Media. To find out more, visit: https://www.rightnowmedia.org/af/get-access