BUSINESS AND RELIGION: FIRE AND ICE?
If Jesus Christ
runs your business
. . . look before you leap!
If you believe Jesus runs your business, God Bless You, but be careful about how you represent yourself. It’s probably a fair estimate to say that a good deal more than half the world could care less about your religious persuasion as a business owner or manager.
It’s probably also a fair estimate to say that in most parts of the United States, and especially the major cities, there is even a pointed resistance — and even an antagonistic and spiteful attitude — toward religious (Christian) based businesses.
Reality: Many non-believers are threatened. Many dismiss you condescendingly as “just another Jesus Freak.” Many will go out of their way to not do business with you. Some will try to undermine your business efforts.
That doesn’t mean you should give it up. It does mean you should be careful. It means you and your spirituality will be best served by exercising Christian values in everything you do and every encounter you have without necessarily advertising them.
All the time? No. There are some times and places–and many ways–where it’s appropriate to publicize your beliefs where it won’t cost you business or relationships. You may not like having to “hold your tongue” but reality dictates that it’s sometimes best for your self and your business to not be making public proclamations about your religious orientations. As for ways to do it, HOW you say what you say is the key.
Certainly, Jesus would advise tolerance when confronted with contentiousness? Remember that the bottom line is if you believe you and your business are serving Jesus, you will best serve by passive accommodation: i.e., a “customer is always right” focus, which of course works for EVERY business.
If your business is a local or regional one that is located in a heavily Christian community, then you can be much freer in expressing your interests and affiliations than in a geographical area not as uniformly receptive to your mission.
Of course you can be a rebel-rouser and charge into the marketplace brandishing a religious banner, but you will be risking the prospective success of what your business existence is all about.
Is closing up shop worth you having made a lot of noise about the principles your business is founded on? Remember: When your doors close, so does your ability to contribute!
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Hal@Businessworks.US 302.933.0116
Open Minds Open Doors
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