Faith Dilemmas for Marketplace Christians
Feeling Guilty About Expansion
See, I have chosen Bezalel, . . . and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.
—Exodus 31:2-5, NIV
A WOMAN, asked about her family, said, “I have two grown children. One is in business; the other is serving the Lord.”
Those who work at “secular” jobs, whether in business or other professions, are not always seen as active Christian servants. Some are even regarded as second-class citizens in the kingdom of God.
Not all of us are gifted to be pastors or missionaries. Nonetheless, we too have been given occupational assignments through which we can be God’s junior partners in meeting the daily needs that help sustain God’s creation. Scripture suggests that our daily work is a calling through which we can exercise the gifts God has given us.
* * *
It was a quiet Saturday evening. Menno and Vera Wenger were relaxing in their favorite chairs after an active week in the business they jointly owned and operated. Menno pondered the financial reports he’d just read. They gave him a sense of both joy and dread.
Profits were up. Menno was grateful for a good year, for their thriving company, for their twenty-two employees. On the other hand, he felt unease because ticklish decisions lay ahead.
Last year profits had been small, leaving few things to decide. They merely increased wages where they could. What little surplus was left went to upgrade equipment and hire two new employees. Menno and Vera’s personal income had been only slightly above average for people in the area.
Menno wouldn’t forget the last time profits had been this good. They had added a production line, hired seven more people, and built a much-needed warehouse. It was a handsome building, conspicuous from the main road. Its visible location gave customers easy access and projected a dynamic image.
That, unfortunately, had been the problem, at least for people quick to criticize. Menno and Vera felt the sting of comments, only half-humorous, that they were building a monument to themselves. Someone joked that it housed an indoor golf course. Another muttered about “a license to steal.” That hurt.
Menno almost wished this year had been like the last. He didn’t relish making choices that would bring more sarcasm.
People didn’t understand how vulnerable the company was. They didn’t realize that running a business meant being in a permanent relationship with the bank and having to worry constantly about the prime rate. Things were going well now, but the market was unpredictable. To stay competitive in a changing environment, they needed more trucks, a bigger building, and at least seven or eight more workers.
That last part felt good. It was fulfilling to Menno and Vera that their vision and hard work created good jobs at competitive wages. Their employees meanwhile were building their own capital base. Out of it they sustained their families, paid for houses, helped finance schools, and generally contributed to the community. When the Wengers created new jobs, they almost felt as if they were doing the Lord’s work, though they wouldn’t describe it that way at church.
Ah yes, church. Tomorrow was Sunday. Menno and Vera would encounter some employees and their families. Would the Wengers’ looming decisions interfere with their worship? What would be the mood of the service and the sermon topic? Would they feel joyous or guilty?
Questions to ponder and discuss
1. To whom in the church can the Wengers go for counsel and sharing? What can be done to create a safe environment? Is the church the place for this kind of sharing?
2. How should the Wengers balance priorities? Should they expand the business? Give more in wages, bonuses, and benefits? Give more to the church and charities? What Scripture would be helpful?
3. Let’s say you’re the pastor of a church which includes people like the Wengers as well as others who don’t understand the Wengers’ dilemma. How would you plan next Sunday’s service and message? How would you bridge different viewpoints?
Additional Scripture
See also Matthew 25:14-28; Luke 12:48; 1 Corinthians 4:2; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:10.