A few years back, Jesus ascended into heaven with one last command. In Matthew
28:19-20 he said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

His words were spoken with authority and conviction. There was no stipulation, such as “except if you work for a corporation” or “as long as you support TOMS.” There seems to be a consensus among the majority of Biola students that working for nonprofit organizations is more honorable than pursuing working within a for-profit corporations. But with money, there is power, and with power comes great responsibility, and the opportunity to effect change.

Christian influence in for-profit companies

As I filter out options for my future, I continually encounter well-intended comrades — who also find themselves in the unknown future boat — who question my motive behind working under for-profit corporations. Comments about fair trade, sweat shops and poor working conditions arise as the conversation develops. I fully concede their points. There are powerful, greedy people in this nation who will stop at nothing for that extra buck. But what happens when those powerful, greedy people retire and that position is turned over to their young and thriving successors … who could potentially be capable, smart, respected Christians?

Avoid the love for money

Corporate positions should attract aspiring Christian intellectuals like V-necks attract hipsters. It is an opportunity to prove that Christians can run with the big dogs. The big dogs make a lot of money, and have a lot to show for it: houses, cars, yachts, fake skin. Suppose I made a lot of money and had nothing to show for it because I had given it all away?

Francis Chan came to Biola for the fall 2009 Torrey Conference, and he spoke of a potential encounter with God when he gets to heaven. God might ask him what he had to show for his life, and Chan was giddy over the idea of looking up at God with his pockets turned inside out, shrug, and say, “Nothing. I guess I gave it all away.” Hard-earned money makes philanthropy that much easier. A corporate Christian has the power to bless the masses in addition to the individuals.

Incorporating Christian principles into business

If Christians chose to educate and equip themselves before shouldering the corporate responsibility, a sincere respect for Christianity would breed throughout the business world. Take a moment to picture a corporate world that strives to love others first. It is competitive, but not sleazy. It operates under a team mentality that unites as one body. It works in humility, without the expectation of credit or acknowledgment. The hyper-sensitivity to being sued drastically decreases. Customer service, though already closely aligned with fundamental Christian principles, would take a sincere tone instead of the obvious plastic grin that greets a customer at so many entrances and phone calls.

But in all of this dreaming, there are plenty of counter-arguments: Supply and demand is based on greed. Corporate cannot survive built on integrity in a sex-craved culture. Try selling this to government. Actually, just try selling anything.

I agree. Buyers and sellers are greedy, empty and dependent. But integrating ethical, educated Christians does not eliminate the corporate world. It changes it. Money no longer becomes the only focal point, it turns into a catalyst — a powerful, motivating catalyst toward a meaningful and eternal relationship. That’s priceless. And for everything else … there’s Mastercard.