The Business of Witnessing

In Matthew 5, Jesus tells His disciples, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

We have that same calling today as followers of Christ, to share the good news of the Gospel wherever we go, but the workplace and business world can provide unique opportunities for witnessing.

Those in business especially come in contact with many different people, such as associates, customers and vendors. While doing that, they can make a strong witness for Christ.

That doesn’t mean proselytizing. A better way to interest people in Christ is to be different from the world by always acting with absolute integrity and showing respect for others.

God knows this, of course, and that’s probably why His Word contains so many passages about work. We were ordained to be workers even before the fall. We see work referred to as a gift in Genesis 2 and again as a gift from God in Ecclesiastes 5. We’re also commanded to work in 2 Thessalonians 3:10.

It’s probably not a coincidence that when Jesus called the 12 disciples, many of them owned and operated businesses as tradesmen and commercial fishermen. Where Jesus spent a lot of time during his earthly ministry is also of interest. Of His 134 appearances, 122 of them are in the marketplace. He also told a total of 52 parables, and 45 of them have a workplace context.

The practice of witnessing in the business world continued with the apostles. Of the 40 divine interventions recorded in the Book of Acts, 39 were in the marketplace. Obviously, the Holy Spirit and the Apostles knew the value of witnessing in the business world.

In the modern times, we have many examples of business people using their influence to lead others to Christ. In his book, God Owns My Business, Stanley Tamm writes, “Although I believe in the application of good principles in business, I place far more confidence in the conviction that I have a call from God. I am convinced that His purpose for me is in the business world. My business is my pulpit.”

We also see this demonstrated by the Green family who own Hobby Lobby, the Cathy Family, owners of Chick-Fil-A, the Malloons, owners of Correct Craft, and the Barnhart family… owners of Barnhart Crane & Rigging, who give away millions.

RG LeTourneau, who’s often called the most inspiring Christian inventor, businessman and entrepreneur the world has ever seen, gave millions to spread the Gospel.

The late Larry Burkett, whose legacy of teaching God’s financial principles we try to carry on here at MoneyWise, was also a successful businessman. Larry also wrote Business By the Book, where he lays out the biblical principles all Christian business people should follow.

Larry was also intimately involved with the Fellowship of Companies for Christ and the Christian Businessmen’s Committee. He passionately believed that “your business is your pulpit.”

The opportunity to share the Gospel with others extends to any work situation. God strategically places His children everywhere. If you work for a paycheck or own a business, big or small, the Lord has given you a position of influence. He wants you to impact your co-workers, vendors, customers, and even your competitors.

You have a unique position in the lives of all those people. With the Holy Spirit, you can help point the way to Christ and salvation. It’s both a duty and an honor to participate .

You also listen to the related podcast on this topic.