It’s a pet peeve of mine.
I’m feeling a little snarky…sorry.
…here goes…
I’m not a fan of “Christian” businesses.
There, I’ve said it. Sometimes people just slap on the “Christian” label to compensate for less than stellar service. Sometimes it becomes a moniker for some sort of exclusive group which puts “church” in a business box and a societal bubble. What happened to “go into all the world and the preach the gospel to all creation…”(Mark 16:15)? If Christians, and those who own “Christian” businesses, (is that really a “thing” anyway?) only live in their little Christian bubbles then how can they reach out with the good news of the gospel?
It seems to me that at times these “Christian” business labels actually hurt the mission of Christ more than it helps the mission of Christ.
Someone might argue that this kind of label sets the business a part from other businesses, and that it can be a witnessing tool. Perhaps it can, but from what I have witnessed there is a dark underside to this sort of practice. The dark underside attempts to use the Ichthus on its front doors then sells an overpriced product or service. I have witnessed some who have professed to being “Christians” in their businesses do some very unethical things…what kind of witness is that? If I were a person seeking religion or faith and I witnessed this kind of display from one professing to be a Christian, I would walk away and never think twice about Christianity.
Hey Business people who slap on this “Christian” label…perhaps you’re actually hindering the mission Christ more than you’re helping it. Seriously, if you aren’t willing to walk the walk when you bear the name “Christian“, then maybe you should take down the crucifixes, the ichthus’ on your business cards and the “Jesus loves you” sign on your office wall.
Because the truth is…
If you slap on the “Christian” label and you don’t actually live up to those standards, you’re doing the rest of the Christ-followers an extreme disservice. I don’t wish to mince words here. I honestly avoid these businesses. Perhaps I’m a little jaded. I physically cringe when I see that label slapped around just to make an extra buck or two. It’s disingenuous and seriously, I doubt it’s God-honoring.
Couldn’t we just live our witness by how we conduct ourselves rather than plastering the “God” posters everywhere?
Couldn’t we let Jesus be seen by our high ethical practices in the business setting rather than a business gimmick?
I believe we can.
seriously, could you please tone back the “Christianity”?
I’m not saying don’t witness, but perhaps just maybe our actions could speak louder than words…or signs and labels.
Something more to ponder…
Pastor's Ponderings 
Well said, as Christians we have avoiding dealing with so called Christian businesses for years. Simply because we have found that their business practices do not bear a good witness to our Lord. I’m not saying that we are perfect in how we conduct ourselves 100% of the time but the best compliment that I can have is when someone I deal says: “I like you because you mean what you say, who are a straight shooter”.
Well said, as Christians we have avoiding dealing with so called Christian businesses for years. Simply because we have found that their business practices do not bear a good witness to our Lord. I’m not saying that we are perfect in how we conduct ourselves 100% of the time but the best compliment that I can have is when someone I deal says: “I like you because you mean what you say, you are a straight shooter”.
(sorry about the typo)
I agree with you. I worked for a company whose owners were very well respected Christians but, based on how they treated their employees, you would never know it.
I totally agree. I supposing the Christian branding helps identify and reach a large Christian market. But having said that, when a religion becomes a brand then the heart of its message becomes lost to commercial gain.