Business by W. N. Glenn

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 20, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 44.

Business.

By W. N. Glenn

By the term business is usually meant one's principal occupation, especially that which he does for pecuniary gain. An individual may, if he can afford it, busy himself personally in traveling, in amusement, or study, or industrial experiments, while that by which he is principally maintained may be conducted by others. Yet that upon which he depends for support or increase of wealth is called his business. In common parlance, when a person does anything particularly shrewd, by which it is clear that he is to be gainer in any way, it is said, "That's business."

Again, when one neglects a good opportunity for legitimate gain, especially when the matter has been deliberately considered and understood, he is unhesitatingly declared to be lacking in business qualifications. Nor is he supposed to possess a keen business foresight, who only sees results from day to day. The largest fortunes have been secured by investments that were not expected to pay returns for a considerable length of time; investments, too, that would need to be supplemented by hard toil and the sacrifice of even necessary comforts. Almost every one who has built up a fortune from a small beginning can recall more or less of this kind of experience. Those who have grown up to affluence in new countries, will especially recognize this truth.

Then, from the world's standpoint—a position from which even the natural eye can behold—arises the conclusion that the shrewd business man is he who invests in that legitimate enterprise which insures the largest and most durable return. All will agree that a man's most important interest is that which will serve him longest and best; therefore that interest, whatever it might be, would engage the attention and means of the really shrewd business man. And this brings before us the subject of religion as a business.

The world has always made a great mistake in supposing that business is one thing and religion another. If such be the case, there must necessarily be a conflict, and no man can maintain two conflicting interests any more than he can serve two masters. Remember that legitimate business is not a service of mammon; it is labor for gain. Outwardly at least, the world has subscribed to the business motto, "Honesty is the best policy;" as a matter of fact, no man can be deemed truly honest who does not begin with honesty to his Creator—his heavenly Father, from whom cometh "every good and perfect gift."

The Saviour of the world was a business man. He came as a special agent of his Father, and was found attending to his business at the early age of twelve years. See Luke 2:49. The Father had planted a vineyard, and let it out to husbandmen who had refused to make returns when called upon by authorized collectors, and finally the Son came to attend to the business. See Matt. 21. He did a trading business also, and when he went away to get for himself a kingdom, he left this business in the hands of his servants; furthermore, when he returns he will demand a strict account from every one. See Luke 19. And he inaugurated a building enterprise—a great church building—which was left in the hands of his workmen. In this also he requires scrupulous exactness in every detail.

The great Teacher introduced business policy as a part of the course of study of his pupils. In setting forth the advantages of his kingdom, and how to secure wealth therein, he did it in a business manner. He gave advice how to invest here to that end, showing that our standing there would depend upon our business policy here. We must lay up in this life the treasure we would enjoy in the kingdom of Heaven. The laying up, means investment in the things that will pass over into that kingdom, for moth,

and rust, and thieves will destroy all temporal accumulations.

A parable has been left on record which aptly illustrates the business policy inculcated by the Master. "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do; I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee; then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?" Matt. 12:16-20. "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." Verse 21.

Then in the end it will be demonstrated that he who has ignored religion (the Lord's financial policy) in this life, has simply been a fool. This is not a very high compliment to the business sagacity of one who might suppose himself eminently successful; but it is the estimate placed upon such a course by the wisdom of Heaven. But what is there within the proper desire of man that Christianity will not furnish? Do you want land? Be a Christian. True you will be only a sojourning emigrant now, while for a short time you pass over desert wastes en route to the better land, where "They shall not build and another inhabit," "and the inhabitant shall not say I am sick," for "the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Do you seek a fine residence? Be a Christian. There is a mansion prepared for you in the New Jerusalem, a city of pure gold. Do you seek honor? Be a Christian. The Lord of all the earth has promised (and his promises never fail) that "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne." Rev. 3:21. Do you desire wealth? Be a Christian. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things." There were great and precious promises made to Abraham which he is yet to realize, and "they that are Christ's, are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Gal. 3:29. Do you seek wisdom? "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do his commandments." Ps. 111:10. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." Jas. 1:5,6. Seek wisdom in "the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim. 3:15. Do you seek long life? Be a Christian. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Matt. 19:17. On every account, the religion of Jesus Christ is the only true business policy.

"Religion is the chief concern Of mortals here below." W. N. GLENN.