What Does Your Faith Mean To Your Business?
Have you ever wondered how you could practically live out your faith in your business?
It’s a tricky thing to do. With so much of the world demanding we be “politically correct” and keep faith a “private” thing, building a business that is in the world, but not of the world, can seem difficult or even wrong.
But as entrepreneurs of faith, we are not only called to be led by our faith, but we are commanded to serve others to God’s glory and for His purposes.
We are given the opportunity to truly be salt and light.
So how can we be entrepreneurs of faith, who are salt and light, and not just a bunch of fish slappers?
Three Influential and “Easy” Ways to Live out Your Faith in Your Business
Before you can apply an influential or “easy” way to live out your faith in your business, you’ve got have a solid spiritual foundation to build on.
So first, you need to know what you believe, and how that impacts your business.
Although I don’t think there are any rules as to how that should look, in What is a Christian Business?, by Chris Patton of Christian Faith At Work , Chris sets forth one of the best short lists I’ve ever seen on the topic.
That said, I’m not crazy about the term “Christian Business,” I think it can easily be misinterpreted and misunderstood. And I don’t think any business entity is inherently Christian or non-Christian. I think a “Christian Business” is simply about the values of those who own and manage it.
Using the term “Christian Business” to identify your business may lead non-believers to think your business can’t serve them, or worse, won’t. And as a result, you lose your ability to be the salt and light you’re called to be.
Of course every business and business function is different. You might find it completely appropriate to use that term based on who you serve or what you do.
I’m merely suggesting that you use that term carefully – I always try to. And if I had to go with something of that nature, I’d probably use the term “a Christian in Business.”
Is that splitting hairs? Maybe. But it’s something to think about.
Nevertheless, knowing what it means to build a business on your beliefs is the only way you can ever properly and effectively apply them to your business, so start there.
Once you’re clear on what it means to build a business on your faith, here are three practical ways your faith can shape how you do business:
1. Your Faith Should Shape Your Meaning
In this case, I’m talking about meaning in terms of significance. How does what you do matter? How is it helping others see God in a real way? Whether it’s through the tithing you do as a business, or through organizations and causes you support or volunteer with corporately, you need to decide how your business can serve others beyond your products and services.
2. Your Faith Should Shape Your Motives
The purpose of your business is to make money. For some entrepreneurs of faith – this is a major issue. Their beliefs and ideas surrounding money and God’s provision have them wrongly rooted in a lack mentality or believing that everything will supernaturally come together in their business.
As a result, they confuse their motives when it comes to making money – believing that making money is a wrong motive (that’s a whole other discussion) – when in fact your motives are all about your “why”. Your motives are the reasons you’ve decided to serve the people you do, in the way that you do.
Your motives, if truly part of God’s will, are going to bring you closer to God’s purpose for your business and your life. If you submit your motives to God, He will influence the actions you take, all of which enable you to be profitable with a purpose.
3. Your Faith should Shape Your Marketing
I know the word authentic is literally crucified daily on the Internet, but if there is any place it deserves to retain its proper value it’s here and now. The key to integrating your faith into your marketing is to communicate the value and benefit of your products and service authentically.
You should have a vested interest in your ideal customer’s true wants and needs, and you should only offer them your products and services that will truly meet them.
You should be mindful of the images and messages you’re sending to people. Using behavior patterns and psychology to effectively communicate with your ideal customer is one thing, but using manipulative tactics or appealing solely to desires rooted in greed, lust, and idolatry would be in direct opposition to the values of a faith – oriented business. Don’t forget what you stand for.
What Does Being an Entrepreneur of Faith Mean to You
If you are a believer in business, what are you doing to live out your faith through entrepreneurship?
What other ways do you think you can live out your faith in your business that is relatable and appreciated (versus exclusively and overt)?
I’d love to hear what you think in the comments section below.
Know an entrepreneur of faith who could use this insight? Please share this post and help me be salt and light too! 
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
Marlee – love this article and would love to share it on my site which is currently underdevelopment as a guest article!
Wow, Marlee!
This was wonderful. So glad I found you. I need this kind of Christian encouragement. I’m still very much dealing with what my God given purpose is.
Thank you, Linda! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the site. I hope you’ll find a ton of great resources for your business here.
Hi Marlee,
I know I’m late to this party, but I had to comment on this piece. I believe a business has no soul. At best it has an artificial soul which, as you say, is because of who owns the business.
We are happy to and want to serve fellow Christians. Good fun stuff there.
But, we are also intent on helping those who are not believers. There are various reasons for that which I won’t go into here, yet I do want to mention this one. By being involved in relationship with people who don’t know Jesus we have opportunity to introduce them.
Yvonne RootJournal in a BoxTM Goes Calling
Hi Yvonne,
Better late than never. I totally agree with you. I too serve non-believers in my business for the same reason (among others). This is why I bring the point of “believer speak.” Many Christian’s in business communicate in ways that only a believer can understand, which I believe diminishes their capacity as salt and light. I feel that as business owners we should aim to be exactly that.
Thanks for sharing your insight and for stopping by!
Nowadays many people are afraid to infuse their faith (Christianity) into their business and feel that it will take away from them being successful. This could not be more wrong. For me its just knowing the reason why I am in business in the first place. If its not to the glory of God then why do it? If its not to help others then why do it? If its not to make a difference then why do it? Its great when you can pick and choose whom you want to work with. I really enjoyed reading this, as its refreshing to see.
Lincoln ParksImplementing change is Frustrating
Hi Lincoln,
Thank you so much for your encouragement and insight. I couldn’t agree with you more. Thanks for stopping by!
> when in fact your motives are all about your “why”.
So true.
One of the best tools for finding our “why” is the Golden Circle. It’s a great way to think, feel, and act from the inside out.
J.D. MeierLove Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders
JD! So nice to see you. Hope you’ve been well. Thanks for stopping by…and yes, that Golden Circle ROCKS!
Yeah well faith in the all mighty is bigger than a membership to the biggest super church that supports endless wars and drone attacks.
Where do you draw the line on faith/politics?
I can’t say. I think we have to each decide for ourselves.
Christians tend to separate business from being a believer. The question you posted at the end of the article is stunning. We can never compartmentalize ourselves as a Christian. Our Faith should shape our business.
Hi Michael!
Thanks for your feedback here. What do you mean by stunning?
I completely agree that believers have a tendency to compartmentalize their faith, but what I meant in that question was not, how can we keep our faith hidden verse exposed, but how can we apply our faith to our business in a way that people can relate to?
The reason I ask that is because I think a lot of believers who do integrate their faith into what they can sometimes use so much “believer speak” for lack of a better or word, or seem so spiritually oriented, that people can’t relate. The question is more about how can we be in the world (relateable) without being of the world.
For me I think the answer rests on the things I noted in this post. Knowing what you believe and representing it well. I think our actions and interactions deeply impact our ability to be salt and light. So how can we do that without overtly (as in preaching at everyone) pushing faith on people in a way that actually hurts the kingdom as a whole.
Does that make sense?
What you mentioned is true but also a difficult decision to make. You have to be true to your faith followed by your audience. Depending on your message you could lose some followers but then again you could gain some followers.
Hey Tom!
How ya been bud?! It’s been awhile.
I can be very difficult to step out in faith, Tom. And with it comes all kinds of glances, assumptions, and disregard. Make the shift to talking about how faith plays a role in business wasn’t and easy thing to do, but I felt compelled and led by the Spirit to do so. It’s been an amazing thing for my business.
And yes, I’ve lost followers over it. But what you have to recognize is that you can only truly impact people who are willing to listen to your worldview. If someone is resistant to the way you see something, it’s not very likely you can have much impact on them. So for me, it’s win-win. Not to mention, incredibly rewarding to publicly give God the glory.
So great to see you here. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
This is a great post Marlee!
To me it means being down to earth, being myself, and being strong in my faith. I think taking the time to connect and build relationships with your people/co-workers is important. When this happens you have the ability to have a relationship with them which will allow you to better share your faith.
Great 3 points.
Dan,
You are EVERYWHERE my friend! How are you?
Dan IS everywhere, lol.
Dan,
I think you’re spot on. I think focusing on relationships first, makes way for faith to play a role. One thing I know a lot of believers do, which I think is a mistake, is preaching at people immediately. No one (not of faith) wants to be preached to. But if you get to know them, and they feel understood, the Holy Spirit will give you an opportunity to share when they are ready to listen. Thanks for adding that!
Simply loved the article. I agree with you. Most may not want to be preached to without invitation to recieve. I agree that deeper social relationships and discernment presents better opportunities for others to hear. I admire you for being bold and writting content from the heart, that’s where it is. So what if you loose a few people, those who stay will be your gems. Thanks for the insight and value.
Great post, definitely have to be authentic no matter the cost!
Hey Tyler!
Welcome! Thanks for your 2 cents. It seems like a no-brainer, but it’s authenticity seem pretty hard to come by these days!
Thanks, Bev!