p. 155 | Religion and Business

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · May 15, 1879

Religion and Business.

THIS precept of holy writ, that we "be not slothful in business," lays its stress upon every son and daughter of Adam, and especially upon every redeemed child of God. And the full command: "Be not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord," shows there is no discord between business and religion; but on the contrary, that a man may be devoted to his business, diligent and active therein, and thereby serve the Lord. It is a proof that men may be honest, honorable, and Christlike in their daily calling; and the statement in another portion of the Bible, "Seest thou a man diligent in business, he shall stand before kings," shows us religion and success in business are in harmony.

It is therefore weak and useless for men to say they cannot succeed unless they adopt the doubtful and even underhanded methods of their unscrupulous competitors. To be honorable, manly, and true in all one's business dealings is to gain the confidence of the community, and with such a man they will prefer to do business. It is a man's most sure and reliable capital, even as Solomon has said: "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." Unscrupulous methods may sometimes bring a more rapid success; but it is like the blazing, brilliant flower that springs up quickly out of its thin soil on the rock—lacking the depth and strength of earth—it is sure to be short-lived. Better in every respect to be honorable and wait if need be, a little longer for a rich and more permanent success.

But not only is business success in harmony with religion, but, more than that, religious enjoyment and service are directly in the path of business. We believe the truest conception of the Christian's life makes it a steady, unbroken outflow and onflow of the spiritual life. It draws no separating line, on each side of which there shall be found only worldly duties, and on the other the so-called spiritual or religious duties. It is a unity, and religion enters into all our work and duties, and glorifies and beautifies them all; and we believe our Lord accepts one as gladly and as fully as another. Does there but appear the light of a devout purpose, the breath of a life hid with Christ in God, then, be the work what it may, and where it may, it is God's service. The farmer who keeps up his fences, cares well for his stock and crops, is not behind-hand with his work, may therein be pleasing his Master no less than he who serves at the altar.

The prompt, reliable, energetic, and honorable business man may be a shining witness to the blessedness of religion in the daily life.

The mother in her quiet home, making that home bright and cheerful, keeping the children tidy and well behaved, and looking faithfully after the thousand and one little daily duties, has a place of Christian labor that shall have the plaudits of Heaven, if not of earth.

And so, wherever the Lord places one of his children, it is for him to be diligent and faithful there, and so to find therein his growth in piety and his truest success.—The Contributor.