Grudem, Wayne. Business for the
Glory of God. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2003.
Wayne
Grudem, evangelical theologian and seminary professor, founder of the Council
on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and general editor of the ESV Study Bible,
in his book, Business for the Glory of God, Wayne Grudem answers vital
questions for the Christian businessperson. The bible speaks (surprising to
some) speaks to issues related to finances, profit, work ethic, and inequality,
with which many Christian business professionals likely struggle. God does not
intend for a sacred and secular divide between business and Christianity; in
fact, businesspeople should use their work to glorify God.
Grudem
focuses on employment and productivity at the beginning of the book. Contrary
to one popular notion, hiring people for one’s business gain is not necessarily
exploiting individuals. In fact, Jesus teaches that the laborer deserves his
wages (Luke 10:7).[1]
Workers, however, are to be productive; a businessperson should ensure the
hiring of productive individuals and act upon those who do not meet such
standards. Grudem says that God placed humankind on the earth to produce from
its bounty.[2] He
also clarifies that employing individuals is good and necessary for a
God-honoring people, that the employer should rightfully pay his or her
workers, and that the employee serves the purpose of the employer.
Furthermore,
Grudem discusses profit, money, and inequality. The author offers a reminder
that inequality even exists in God’s kingdom economy. In the Bible, Jesus
grants one person authority over ten cities and another over five cities (Luke
19:17-19).[3]
There then exists biblical support for inequality based on the productivity and
success of one’s work, i.e. people are equal in that everyone is created in the
image of God and yet unequal in that some are more successful than others.
Moreover, in Luke 19, Jesus tells a
parable of a servant who earns a 1,000% profit and is rewarded.[4]
Profit might be considered a consequence of greed and certainly could be so;
yet, the Bible does not criticize profit in and of itself. In fact, money is
necessary for those who aspire to live a godly life, for the order which God
has ordained on earth requires payment, work, and sales. In the book, Grudem
seems to help the businessperson who might struggle with how to approach profit
and money as a Christian.
Appropriately,
Grudem’s ultimate chapter focuses on world poverty and the advance of the
gospel. Although the author’s final chapter of the book, it is perhaps the most
crucial and the pinnacle of his message. Grudem makes clear his intent to (hopefully)
change the attitudes of many people’s view of the topics he has discussed but
then points everything to the overarching purpose of the gospel’s advance.[5]
Grudem believes that the only sustainable solution to global poverty is
business.[6]
If business is utilized properly, the gospel is advanced and God is glorified.
According to Wayne Grudem, there are obstacles;[7]
yet, the purpose of business (and indeed of life in general) must be the glory
of God, which the Christian businessperson possess a marvelous opportunity to
achieve.
Business
for the Glory of God is an excellent read for both church leaders who need
practical biblical principles for the business-dealings of church ministry and
business professionals who struggle with controversial topics as Christians in
business. The book’s strength is its message to businesspeople to change their
view of what is often controversial but should not be, e.g. profits,
employment, etc. Grudem appropriately uses Scripture to support his arguments,
although it often seems strained and absent of context. The shortcomings,
however, do not outweigh the insight and wisdom offered in this valuable book.
