Hey there friend, it’s Cory.

Whenever I tell someone that I run my own business, I almost always get the same kinds of questions.

I think so many of us are brought up to believe that business is for some reason evil…

Or that we must be poor in order to be more righteous…

But I believe these things couldn’t be further from the truth!

So with that being said, here are some of the common “myths” I hear from fellow Christians when it comes to talking about business.

1. Ownership of a business is not pleasing to God

Like I said, I think a lot of us are raised with the belief that business and entrepreneurship are evil in themselves.

And unfortunately, this does get proved true more often than not with all the shady, money-driven business owners that are definitely out there in the world.

However I don’t think it’s right to apply that to business as a whole.

I mean, Apostle Paul was a business owner, right?

And he’s one of the greatest examples we have of what it means to live life as a devoted follower of Christ!

So I think what really matters is your relationship with your business and the money it provides.

For example, if it takes priority in your life and if it becomes part of who you are…

Or if by working so much you’re neglecting your relationship with your family, friends, and the Lord…

Then that’s where owning a business becomes a problem.

However, if it’s simply a vehicle for you to do great things…

Like fund your ministry work, give back to the needy, and donate to worthy causes…

Business can be an amazing way to become a better kingdom builder!

When done for the right reasons, it provides us so many opportunities to imitate His love, wisdom, and kindness.

It’s just that we must find the strength to say no to temptations and make sure our business always remains secondary to the things that matter most.

2. It’s not right to ask for money in exchange for a service

A long time ago, we would have traded one good or service in exchange for another.

But I would argue that, if things were still that way today, many transactions would either be unfair or entirely wasteful.

In fact, thanks to the fact we have money to operate with today…

I can purchase a product or service while easily advancing the welfare of the person on the other side of the transaction!

Similarly to the first thing we talked about, it all comes down to what kind of business owner you want to be.

Are you overcharging for your products or services — or worse, misrepresenting them — just to gain an extra profit?

Or do you price your goods fairly so that all parties can walk away having benefited from the exchange?

In this second case where we use business to advance the welfare of others…

I believe that it’s expected of us to buy and sell from one another!

But as the business owner, it’s on us to make sure that it’s done fairly.

“And if you make a sale to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one another.” (Leviticus 25:14)

3. Hiring employees means taking advantage of others

I think that employment can be looked at one of two ways:

It’s either an expense that you feel forced to pay in order to keep things running…

Or it can be an opportunity to do good for someone else and give them the means to glorify God too.

The first way represents employment how it’s often viewed — a situation where one person is being exploited so that the business owner can profit.

And in this case I’d agree that employment is not pleasing to God.

But what about when fair wages are paid, and in a timely manner?

What about when the employee is earning everything they need (and possibly more) to provide for their family and do their part in building the kingdom?

When the agreement between employer and employee is fair and just, both parties benefit.

And in the best agreements, love and friendship between both parties can develop and results in them both wanting to do good for the other.

I’ve seen these 3 myths hold people back from starting a business time and time again.

But the truth is, if you’re heart’s in the right place, business can be an amazing vehicle to build the kingdom and serve others.

So if you’ve ever been on the fence I hope you find this helpful.

Your brother in Christ,

Cory

P.S. As part of our Digital Tentmaking community, we all do our part in holding each other accountable.

It’s the mission of every single member to build a business that serves others and brings glory to God — not to themselves.

If being part of this type of community sounds interesting to you, just click the link below to learn more.