Biblical Business Radical: Too Much Profit?

 I’ve seen this question from Chaim Bentorah in one of his books: Is it a contradiction when we hear that we’re not to love the same things that the world loves (“not be of the world”) but think God wants us to be wealthy? And recently in a Christian business owners group, I asked how we determine prices: market value or service/product cost and the interaction between the two (think restaurants who tried to hold prices in check during inflationary times to maintain a customer base). I’ve seen some pundits claim our current inflationary problems are due to corporate greed. One member asked if our giving/tithing should play into the pricing model.

And one of our group members asked about the moral guidelines for profit. Should we “take advantage” of the fact that market value far exceeds cost and necessary margins? For example, should a Christian owner selling bottled water exalt in the fact that the market is willing to spend 50 cents to two dollars on bottled water (depending on volume packaging and shop aka convenience store) when the fully burdened costs and 25% gross margin would set the price below a quarter (25 cents)? 

In some other discussions on the question of whether a business can have too much profit, I’ve never seen this question: Whose business is it? 

If it’s private or publicly owned, it’s the shareholders’ business and they determine goals for profitability. If, as Christians, we say God is the owner—no matter the incorporation form—then it raises a whole series of other questions:

• Do you consider yourself just another employee and let God determine your pay?
• Especially for sole owners, LLCs or partnerships, do you consider that you have no right to the profits, including how the money is used in regard to taxation?
• What would the Owner do with the profits? Would He pay you bonuses, e.g.?
• How much more than a tithe (ten percent) does the Owner need or want from the business to be “paid”?
• How much are you thinking that the profits are due you because of all your hard work? How do you consider Christ’s story of the servants who work in the field and then have to serve the Master in the house before they eat? (Luke 17.7-10)

If we are stewards of His assets and resources (including our workforce), we should manage them according to His guidelines and wishes. How well do you hear what He’s telling you? “We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.” (Verse 10)