As a small business owner, you have the opportunity to honor Christ in the way you operate your business.
Honoring God doesn’t necessarily mean sharing the plan of salvation with every customer, vendor, or employee you meet. Instead, it means consistently living out your faith in a way that points others to Christ. A well-known saying expresses this well:
“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”
Here are some meaningful ways you can demonstrate your commitment to Christ and Christian values through your business:
1. Treat Everyone with Respect
Whether you’re correcting an employee, handling an unhappy customer, or navigating a disagreement with a competitor, respond with grace and dignity. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” — Colossians 4:6
2. Practice Honesty in Every Transaction
Be truthful in your dealings—whether paying taxes, recording expenses, setting prices, honoring contracts, or communicating expectations. “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.” — Proverbs 11:1
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” — Matthew 22:21
3. Keep Your Promises
If you’ve committed to giving an employee a raise, conducting a performance review, or teaching them a new skill, follow through. Failing to keep your word is a form of dishonesty.
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” — Proverbs 12:22
4. Pay Fair Wages
Compensate your employees fairly for the work they perform. Pay them for every hour worked, honor overtime regulations, and ensure your pay rates reflect their contributions.
“The laborer is worthy of his wages.” — Luke 10:7
5. Use Uplifting Language
Avoid speaking harshly, using profane language, or belittling others. Instead, choose words that encourage, empower, and reflect God’s love.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” — Ephesians 4:29
6. Support Charities That Reflect Your Values
Many business owners support local causes. Prayerfully consider which ministries or charities to partner with.
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
7. Assist Employees in Need
While employment law requires equal pay for equal work, you can personally bless employees facing hardship. Consider ways to quietly help—a single mom with childcare, a financially struggling employee with extra hours, or a stressed team member with a small personal gift.
“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” — Matthew 6:3
8. Model Servant Leadership
Demonstrate that no task is beneath you. Set an example of excellence, humility, and integrity in everything you do.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
9. Seek God’s Wisdom in Decision-Making
Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in your daily operations and major business decisions.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3
10. Cover Your Business in Prayer
Start each day by seeking the Lord, and let employees know you’re praying for them when appropriate.
“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.” — Psalm 5:3
Final Thoughts
As you seek God’s guidance and aim to honor Him in your business practices, He will open opportunities for you to share your faith naturally—with your actions, your words, and your example.
How has God allowed you to honor Him through your business?
I’d love to hear your story—feel free to share it in the comments!
Susan's Reflections 