After the completion of reading the book “Business for the Glory of God,” I personally took pleasure in understanding the different characteristics of business and agree with many of the claims made throughout the book. The author Wayne Grudem shares a plethora of applicable and biblical information to consider when observing the business realm. Grudem does an ample job in expressing how business can most certainly be used for the glory of the Lord, which is often overlooked by Christians because normally the business realm is labeled within a secular world to be inherently bad (due to greed, dishonesty, envy, etc.) offering temptations that ultimately lead to sin. For the most part, I believe that Grudem utilizes scripture effectively in order …show more content…
To begin with, this book to me is a good reminder on how different aspects of business originally are intended to be “good” in the eyes of God. However, in today’s generation many individuals including Christians highly overlook and automatically conceive business as inherently corrupt. A lot of the corruption witnessed throughout the business realm is derived from unethical motives; for example, the motive of “self-interest.” Where in a business, the boss, CEO, or head of an authoritative position proceeds with actions that only satisfy themselves instead of others (customers, employees, environment, etc.) Even since biblical times, the motives of self-interest seized the forefront of different businesses (tax collectors, carpenters, merchants). An example of this can be found when Jesus went into the temple and drove out the people who were buying and selling there (Matthew 21:12.) The fundamental motive known as “self-interest,” unfortunately is one of the main reasons why there is distortion and corruption in businesses today. According to the article “The Christian Concept of …show more content…
Though, the last couple of chapters included in this book imply a significant explanation that addresses an issue that not only glorifies God but can be taken as motivation for future business partakers. The chapters of “Attitudes of Heart and Effect on World Poverty” contain information of intrinsic value that helps readers understand the certain type of mindset to have when going into the business realm. In addition, understand the importance of all types of businesses that ultimately can help the issue of poverty. Both chapters are definitely relevant and help conclude Grudem’s point of view. Initially, the chapter “Attitudes of Heart,” can be conceived as a supplement to the nine previous chapters mentioned before. Basically, within this chapter Grudem explains the importance of expressing humility and love while being incorporated within a business. Grudem makes it clear that by having a humble/loving heart will result in being more sensitive to God’s commandments and instructions. Thus, allowing for more glory to be lifted to God rather than disobeying commandments or partaking in temptations that could possibly lead to sin. Additionally, the chapter “Effect on World Poverty,” Grudem makes several claims which are certainly insightful and true. Here Grudem attempts to position the
In the seventh chapter of Why Business Matters to God, Van Duzer asks readers to answer some questions to see if they have an understanding so far on how they then should do business? Some of the questions included on what the proper purpose of business and what are some of the convenient limit to the practices of business. Some of the major points are the answers to the three questions that were introduced about the summary of business framework. The first main point within the novel is the purpose to serve. The author states that to understand why business matters to God, you have to understand the role that God plays in wanting to profit companies within our world.
The Focus on Faith theme of option for the poor and vulnerable proves to be very helpful in guiding my actions. This theme supports my ethical and moral stance that we must be kind and compassionate regardless of the situation. This theme reminds me that I have been blessed with many privileges but should not be blinded by them, as unfortunately there are many people who society has abandoned. I should use the privileges I have to help those in need. I should continue to do volunteer work and take any opportunities I can to assist the less fortunate. As the theme states, I should work towards the common good and act with a loving and compassionate heart.
White utilizes the Biblical verses to present his plan on business ethics. The reason for that is because he has a strong desire to convey to the reader’s view that God has already given us the principles that we need to monitor for everything in life including business. He states that it “is God we serve and it is God to whom we are accountable” (White, J., 1978). The logic for his principles is to display to the reader that business and God can be collaborated together. I think many people are unconnected to God throughout every day in life and say that to succeed in business you cannot cohere to moral standards. White is trying to prove that this is not true and that if you want to succeed then you need God. Caux uses foundational concepts to present their principles (Caux Round Table, 2010). This is because they feel that “good ethics” are “good risk management” (Caux Round Table, 2010). As a choice of good ethical practices presenting a few difficulties to succeed at business and completely some of the risk
The book, “Business for the Glory of God”, By Wayne Grudem, is a book that gives insight to how business as a whole can be a blessing to the world. God gave His people abilities to conduct business in order to glorify Him. Grudem explains that business and the attributes of business are “fundamentally good” and provides many opportunities for glorifying God, but also many temptations to sin. He gives a biblical and moral standing point
Through these nine key concepts, Dr. Grudem illustrates how a variety of business techniques, when implemented in a Godly manner, allow those to pose certain characteristics of God. Grudem isn’t naïve, though. He does, after all, explain that in every aspect of business there are multiple layers of opportunities to give glory to God, as well as multiple temptations to sin (Grudem, 2003, p. 17). He is also aware about the easy ways these activities can be perverted and used as a means to sin ("Business for the," 2003). This book is tailored to echo God’s glory in relation to correlation with employees, co-workers, customers, and other businesses involved in the business unity. Furthermore, it does not only promote a positive impact within the business realm, but also in the personal realm of one’s life in business.
In chapter three, Myer provides a joint of theology, poverty and development from the issue that most people think theology is not a part of poverty or development. He elaborates on the key themes that emerge consistently in Catholic social teaching, God’s expectation from humanity as an individual, as a community and the narratives which comes under God’s story about what God is doing. Clearly in this chapter, Myer addresses that the biblical story is for the rich and the poor, as humans were made in God’s image, experienced the consequences of the fall, and as the focus of God’s redemptive work (52). However, evangelists are in need to be prepared biblically and theologically and know the big story or God’s story as well as understanding the poor and the non-poor which leads to the exploration of poverties cause. In doing this God is actively at work in the
Therefore, business inherently exists as an entity of good and not evil, unless, as Grudem acknowledges, one perverts it with sin. Based
Dr. Grudem engages the reader and teaches that the Bible teaches concerning moral of goodness of businesses. The
In an article on globalissues.org written by Anup Shah discussing corruption it is stated that, “Corruption affects the poorest the most, in rich or poor nations, though all elements of society are affected in some way as corruption undermines political development, democracy, economic development, the environment, people’s health and more.” The article goes on to discuss the difficulty of measuring corruption as it is a slow effect that is often a perception by a select group of individuals. The Bible has a strong stance regarding corruption and corrupt acts like stealing. Psalm 62:10 says, “Trust not in oppression, and put not vain hope in robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” While the actions the four friends took to get justice for their wrong actions seems unethical in many aspects, they also show the frightening reality of corruption in
One of the first questions that needs to be addressed, is what the goal of a Christian financial manager is in a corporate setting? I believe that the goal of the Christian financial manager is to earn money for the company, while at the same time demonstrating an attitude of service to everyone they come in contact with (Chewning, 1990, p. 15). In the Bible, it tells us that we are supposed to treat other people the way that we would want to be treated, and that includes in the financial work place (Luke 6:31 English Standard Bible). As a Christian financial manager, the goal should be to treat everyone with respect. This is more important than making as much money as possible. However, it is not just about the financial manager, but it is also about the organization as a whole. A Christian financial manager should look at the workplace before they decide to work
Since the dawn of time, the pursuits of wealth and social justice have been difficult to unite. Both can turn into a moral crusade, for better or worse. From the Biblical ages, these clashes have been illustrated time and time again. For example, in the verse from Matthew 6:24, he says “no one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
Business for the Glory of God is a book that helps Christians work in Business for God. Wayne Grudem did an excellent job of sharing and providing the purpose and meaning of business and ways to glorify God while conducting said business. The main themes Grudem talks about include; ownership, productivity, employment, commercial transactions, profit, money, inequality of possessions, competition, borrowing and lending, attitudes of the heart and the effect on world poverty. He kept his thoughts short and to the point, allowing for the important information to be shared with his readers. I agreed with all of his main thoughts, especially when he spoke about his discussion on money and attitudes of the heart; however, there is significant neglect in the area of government regulations throughout the book. In this review I will discuss the good and the neglect.
An important part of the Christian MBA is listening to Jesus. The principles from the Bible aren't just relevant for Sunday School and small group Bible Studies. They are immediately relevant for the rough world of business. The Bible teaches about ethics that will help you earn respect, regardless of the situation. The Bible teaches honesty, open communication, respect, honor, obedience, and a flawless work ethic - all of these are undeniable principles in the world of business. The Christian MBA does invest you with powerful business training, but adds the indispensable component of a biblical worldview.
The fifth quality that Maxwell says shepherd leaders should have is guidance and direction. A Christian leader that does not have vision will cause his company to perish. This concept is found in Proverbs 29:18 which says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." (KJ21) Guidance and direction are two necessities in both Christian businesses and secular run businesses. However, the follow through of that guidance and direction will be implemented differently in the
One philosopher wrote, "Like the wheel, business is one of the great human inventions. But unlike the wheel, the existence of business depends upon a social context, on unwritten rules and conventions…there is no more chance that we could return to an idyllic state before business existed than we could uninvent the wheel" (Klempner, n.d.). Just as the wheel has been redeveloped time and time again, thus making it better and better, we too must redevelop and enhance our philosophical and ethical decisions in the way we operate businesses in today 's society. Trying to maximize profits in business while catering to growing societal demands, proves to be quite complicated and challenging. Society and business owners alike are continually struggling to find that happy medium. Comparing and contrasting the many moral philosophies and belief systems, combined with trial and error is one way society as a whole can create a system that hopefully one day works for us all.