Are business ethics different than “Christ Centered” business ethics? A difference would exist if Christians find anything wrong with this statement: “As long as one doesn’t break any laws to achieve their goals, then one is ethically good.”
It seems like a good rule to follow. In order to have good business ethics, one must abide by the laws the government has put in place. It is what philosophers call the “bottom line approach.” So now one must ask, “Is the “bottom line” different for a Christian company?”
Increasing profit is the goal of most businesses, but for Christian companies, money should not be the bottom line. 1 Timothy 6:10 says “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Serving others, instead of money, is the bottom line of Christ Centered business ethics.
God commands Christians to serve others and not themselves. It says in 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Therefore, a Christian company should not make money the bottom line. Providing for others needs should be the goal of Christian businesses. Money should be seen as a tool to allow your business to serve people. When a business starts to grow and make more money, it should be seen as an opportunity serve the kingdom of God.