A Review of Business for the Glory of God: The Bible’s Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business

How are business and God’s glory connected? The author, Wayne Grudem, cogently communicates the answer to this question. His approach is unique and well stated.

Believing that business has been long neglected as an important avenue to glorify God, Grudem turns his attention to nine controversial areas. In each he takes the reader to Scripture and shows how the practice has Biblical foundations. Then, he shows how each can be used for or against God’s glory.

For example, in a chapter on “Competition,” he points out that competition can be used for God’s glory as talented people make improvements on competitor’s products. This often leads to the consumer having better goods and also, as time goes on, items that can be purchased at lower prices. He follows these remarks by pointing out how competition can be misused by sinful men when they attempt unfair or unethical schemes.

Chapter headings include “Ownership,” “Profit,” “Money,” “Inequality of Possessions,” and “Borrowing and Lending.”

Throughout the volume, the author focuses on Scripture and the importance of God’s glory being sought from our hearts. He makes a number of vital observations for our day. One of these is that good business practices and new business opportunities provide positive hope for deliverance from poverty in a culture.

The brief chapters are manageable for individuals who live in our fast-paced society. The chapters are full of solid material that can provoke thought and reflection.

In today’s anti-business climate, even within Christian circles, this is a great book to read and to pass along to others. It addresses subjects seldom tackled. Christian businessmen will be encouraged. Hopefully, we will learn to better appreciate the business arena and how to glorify God where He has called us to serve. The business field is very much a part of God’s dominion mandate.