The Gospel Matters on Monday
Apr. 1 2008
On Sunday we’re pretty gospel centered. We sing the gospel, we hear a message containing about the gospel, we discuss gospel issues with a friend. But when we walk into the office Monday morning the gospel is shoved out of our minds by meetings and projects and tasks.
So what does the gospel have to say to us as we walk in the office doors on Monday morning?
To help us answer the question we talked to Brad Edson—a businessman we respect both for his commitment to the gospel and his success in the marketplace.
For years Brad worked alongside his brother in their family business Edson Electric Supply, Inc. as the business grew from one store to multiple locations across the state. When Home Depot acquired the company in August 2006 it was doing $165M of business annually. Brad is currently Vice Chairman of the Investment Committee for Marketplace One where he also leads the Oversight Board.
The way we handle misunderstanding and unfair treatment begins with a deep understanding of how much we’ve been forgiven.
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Na: How does business fit into the life of a Christian? Is it just what we have to do to pay the bills?
Brad: We all want to go out and shape our culture and affect it for Christ. There are few places where we have a better opportunity to do that than in the marketplace. The Bible calls us to be his image bearers throughout the world and every time we go to our jobs we have this opportunity. Almost all of us are engaged in the marketplace where the exchange of ideas, goods, and services intersect with public policy, academics, and culture in general.
For me, that started in a un-air conditioned warehouse in Phoenix, Arizona. During some of those long hot days it was hard to see how I could be having an impact for Christ. Now that I look back I can see how applying the truths of the gospel to my workday changed my work ethic, helped me grow in faithfulness, informed how I should relate to others, and gave me faith for taking on new responsibilities or dealing with challenges. That’s easy to say now, but back then I had remind myself daily that work wasn’t just some secular activity that was cut off from the rest of my spiritual life. This Biblical truth freed me to see my work as a noble calling instead of as just some worldly pursuit.
Na: What are some ways Christians can use business to reflect the gospel?
Brad: Today, I really can’t think of a better place for living out the gospel and glorifying God than in the marketplace especially with all that is happening throughout the world. As closed markets become free markets Christian businessmen are being given the opportunity to advance the gospel along with their business expertise into every corner of the world. A movement know as “Business as Missions” is allowing Christians into closed countries to share Christ by demonstrating the gospel in their business activities. As people involved with the businesses come to Christ and begin applying the gospel to their everyday lives, communities and even entire cultures are being drawn to Christ.
You may not be at the place where you can go start a business in a foreign country, but you can be a shining example in your own workplace. This can have a bigger effect than you may think. When you are relating to others in the marketplace money, power and authority come into play. These are areas where explosive forces are at work. It’s here our theology informs our decisions and behavior. For example, the way we handle misunderstanding and unfair treatment begins with a deep understanding of how much we’ve been forgiven. Deep areas of trust and faith are revealed about God’s character and whether we really do live seeking His honor before others. Business conducted for the glory of God brings about a redemptive process.
Na: How can we keep the apply the gospel to our jobs day in and day out?
Brad: First, remember that business is not somehow less spiritual than the rest of our lives. Many of us to compartmentalize life into the “spiritual” and the “secular.” That tends to diminish the significance of work. Work shouldn’t be something you just get over with so you can do the important spiritual work when you get off. 1 Cor 10:30 tells us to do everything for the glory of God.
Remembering this can free us from guilt when our work is in a season of intensity, but it also keeps us from letting that season become a lifestyle. We need to keep a healthy balance between the two extremes. Keeping the gospel in mind—that we’re redeemed sinners called to glorify God both at church and at work—helps us say yes (or no) to a busy season while keeping the priority of honoring God through our work.
Second, remember that we’re called to both succeed in business and represent Christ. The free market pulls no punches and doesn’t play favorites. If you can’t deliver on a promise or provide adequate service, the market doesn’t care about excuses. As Christians we have a higher calling than just doing whatever it takes to make the business look good or achieve success at any cost. The culture can perceive a successful businessperson as someone that benefits their business by using whatever means are required, often at another’s expense. But as Christians we’re called to be different. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ not only by our commitment to excellence in what we do but also placing the needs of others (vendors, customers, fellow employees) ahead of ourselves.
Here’s an example of what I mean: Most good companies want to take care of their customers. But what happens when we’re sinned against or when someone reneges on a promise or lies outright? The Bible clearly calls us to cover a multitude of sins with love and not be quick to demand retribution but to extend grace just as we have received grace.
Na: Can you share one way particular instance you’ve had to apply the gospel in the midst of a business decision?
Brad: One particular situation began when a sales associate experienced a medical crisis. He suffered a stroke and was unable to work for several months and the company extended benefits until he returned. Upon his return it was evident that he might never recover to a level of proficiency needed to return to his former position. The secular business model would call for us to lay off the associate or significantly reduce his role and income. We prayed about what we should do and were reminded of the gospel truth that we are recipients of God’s mercy. This made us look for other options even though we knew this was going to be a long term issue. We stepped out and created a sales “ambassador” position that made him responsible for introducing our company to prospective accounts who we were not currently doing business with. Some of the accounts he discovered became our biggest and most loyal customers. The man shared from personal conviction why he could recommend our company as a place to do business with and did this role with excellence for years.
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Brad also recommends the following resources for growing as a Christian in business:
_Christian Beliefs: 20 Basics Every Christian Should Know – Dr. Wayne Grudem
_Business for the Glory of God – Dr. Wayne Grudem
_The C-Change – Mark Cress
_The Treasure Principle – Randy Alcorn
_Humility: True Greatness – C. J. Mahaney
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