Prohibited Partnership Prohibited: Non-Christian Business

Prohibited Partnership

Prohibited: Non-Christian Business Partnerships

In II Corinthians 6:14, Paul states, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" God wants believers to be "equally yoked" and not "unequally yoked" with unbelievers. However, does this apply to a Christian business partnership? Unfortunately, many Christians think this verse only pertains to finding a marriage partner and then form business partnerships with the world. In essence, a business partnership or even a corporation is a marriage, whereby all constituents must be of one accord for the Lord to bless this union.

Why Does a Christian Business Fail?

The Small Business Administration states that over 650,000 businesses are started in the U.S. every year, with 80% will fail in their first three years and only 9% will make it beyond five years (Naughton & Cornwall, 2009, p. 5). Why does this occur? Regardless whether the business structure is a partnership or a corporation, it is irrelevant because the business is considered an entity in which decisions are made collectively (Bagley & Savage, 2009). Therefore, God wants His people to be "equally yoked" in ALL things, especially involving the stewardship of His resources. Unfortunately, many Christians enter into promising business partnerships with non-believers, only to suffer major loss later. With certainty, differences existed resulting from either a lack of finances, communication, or other resources. Perhaps, these Christian businesses had been "unequally yoked."

Why do not Christian investors and entrepreneurs to consciously seek each other?

Just as stated in Proverbs 13:20 "…iron sharpens iron…" Moreover, Christians helping Christians in the startup stages of a business can help lay a solid foundation resulting in Godly stewardship of all corporate assets. This includes planning, capitalization, budgets, staffing, facilities, products/services development, manufacturing, sales and marketing, distribution, etc. As a Christian business, it should obey Him, and believe that He is an abundant God. According to I Chronicles 29:11, "Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord." If everything belongs to God, He will hold everyone accountable in the stewardship of all of the resources given, both large and small.

How Should a Christian Business Proceed?

As in any major decision, especially involving finances, Christians should only proceed after following these steps:

Prayer -- Seek God's guidance though daily prayer;

Studying His Word -- John 1:3 "…and the Word was God." Allow God to speak to you through His Word.

Seeking wise counsel -- Prov. 12:15 "…but a wise man is he who listens to counsel."

Asking a simple question -- "Do I see God's Hand in action?" Is God opening doors, such as bringing His people into your life as potential partners or by overcoming potential obstacles?

One would be naive to think that just because a business partner is Christian means they will therefore avoid all potential trouble. Plenty of Christian partnerships experience challenges, thus involving activities not pleasing to God, such as embezzlement, laziness, sexual indiscretions, sharp disagreements, lawsuits, divorce, etc... Soured relationships and sin is not exclusive domain to non-Christians. However, if both truly share the same Christian values, then they should seek God for resolution for "nothing is impossible for God" to mend (Luke 1:37).