As a body of knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship has an unheralded place in the study of the Christian Worldview. The ability to grasp the opportunity (Kirzner 1999), envision new possibilities, recognize and realize opportunity when it appears, and then seize it is central to the Christian vocation. Entrepreneurship does not provide people with a job or income; rather, it equips them for that task. It is not about how much money one makes but about what kind of person you become as you go through life.
Where Do Entrepreneurship and Free Markets Fit Within Biblical Principles?
Several Christians believe that entrepreneurship, free markets, and capitalism do not follow biblical principles. This results from their misunderstanding of what capitalism is and is not. Capitalism is not about greed or selfishness. It is not about making as much money as possible at the expense of others. Instead, it is about being rewarded for producing valuable goods and services – which makes everyone better off in the long run.
Many see entrepreneurship and free markets as inherently materialistic and profit-driven endeavors. This paper argues that through the lenses of God’s plan for man and His creation, entrepreneurship can be viewed as consistent with Christian principles. In order to do so, it must first be recognized that God’s ultimate purpose for man is to give glory, honor, and praise to Himself although his word does not explicitly endorse the two although they appear attuned with the teachings of Christ (Flax 2012). From this perspective, entrepreneurship is distinct from other disciplines, such as individualism or capitalism. The Bible provides clear examples of profitable endeavors in which profits are used primarily for the good of others rather than for personal gain.
As Christians and entrepreneurs, we live in a world of increasing uncertainty. We are called to pray daily that God’s will be done in all things and seek to honor Him as much as possible as creators and consumers. We want to look for opportunities to do good work with our gifts, abilities, and time. As entrepreneurs, we need to be careful how we define success as the marketplace most often defines it. Any discussion of entrepreneurship and the faith must deal with this issue. If God has established order, intelligence, and truth in the universe and history (Isaiah 42:5, John 1:1) with man as His image bearer enjoying these benefits (Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 8), then the principle of government should reflect that reality. Government exists to preserve order, promote intelligence and truth, and protect citizens from injustice through civil laws, which, if kept, will have the effect of establishing justice (Psalm 94:16; Isaiah 51:6; Micah 4).
The Bible provides principles of ethics that guide our evaluation of people and nations (Exodus 20:1-17). One of the most basic principles is the Golden Rule that directs us to “do unto others as we would have them do unto us”. As entrepreneurs, we are called to treat others fairly and make trade agreements with them that will benefit both parties. We are not to take advantage of people by charging exorbitant prices or selling shoddy products or services. This principle applies not only in commerce but also in all other aspects of life.
As postulated in Psalm 90 and Psalm 139, scripture places a high value on human life and the lives of its citizens and those of foreign nations. We see from this belief that the Christian worldview will promote free markets, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation because these are tools to advance humankind better. Only when entrepreneurs determine their materials, means of production, and form of work – can they indeed be innovative and impact society.
Conclusion
God is the ultimate entrepreneur, and the Bible reveals both His character and His plan for His creation. God is a builder, and He created every stage, form, and function in the world as a testimony to His ability to bring order out of chaos. Jesus’ work on earth was to continue that work, exposing humanity’s need for redemption while also demonstrating God’s power at work in human hearts.
References
Kirzner, Israel. 1999. “5-17 Creativity and/or alertness: A reconsideration of the Schumpeterian entrepreneur.” The Review of Austrian Economics. 1991. https://www.skylineuniversity.ac.ae/pdf/entrepreneur/67002223f0cd961a083fb5512e3e83c96527.pdf.
Flax, Bill. 2012. Was Jesus A Socialist, Capitalist, Or Something Else? Forbes. 2012 January 31. https://www.forbes.com/sites/billflax/2012/01/31/was-jesus-a-socialist-capitalist-or-something-else/
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