When purpose is unknown abuse is inevitable. An understanding of the purpose of the Christian business will help us in our approach to handling and running our businesses.Many say they have a Christian business, without fully understanding the concept of a Christian business.The truth is, a business entity is neither Christian nor non-Christian. A Christian business is one run by a Christian, who engages Biblical values and principles as taught in the word of God, in the day to day running of the business.The key to running a Christian business is a commitment to making decisions on the bases of scriptures and not on situations, feelings or what is acceptable to society.As we run our businesses in the way of the Lord, we honor God and ultimately bring glory to His name.This is the purpose of every Christian, in business or otherwise- to glorify God. And this also, is the primary purpose of every Christian business.”……..whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”1cor 1o:31Our businesses must bring glory to God!This can be achieved, as we use our businesses to serve God’s purposes on the earth.Early in a business career, the most important thing to the entrepreneur is how to break even and keep the business running. Later it becomes important to make profit and build a bigger business.And this is why, it is crucial for the Christian business man and woman to have a priority system, that will help to maintain balance. Maintaining balance is important in a spiritual sense just as in a material sense.If all other functions of successfully running a business organization are neglected in the pursuit of evangelism, the business would run aground.We must position the business to generate revenue and make profit. God is interested in our businesses making profits. He wants us to prosper in whatever we do.”Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”Isaiah 48:17″And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:3Yet we must not neglect using the business to serve God, as we propagate the Gospel.Therefore, the priorities really mean what are my goals, and can my goals be balanced to achieve the overall objective of serving God while meeting material needs.Business as Instrument of Evangelism: When placed side by side, the profit of a business is rather trivial compared to the value of a soul. But if used properly a business can be used to change the lives of countless lost people.”For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mat 16:26An entrepreneur can use his business as a tool to influence people within his sphere of business dealings and operations by helping them to hear the Gospel of Christ. And thereby many are led to Christ.Financing the Gospel: We can also set apart, a certain percentage of the profits from our businesses, for kingdom work. Sponsoring Gospel crusades, mission work and building worship centers are commendable and laudable things we can do for the kingdom of God, as God helps us to make profits in our businesses.By this, our businesses are bringing glory to God, as lives are being transformed and impacted.”…..My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad;….” Zec 1:17Carrying out all these, will not be difficult if we understand that all we have, we received of the Lord.”For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”1cor 4:7Also worthy of note, is the fact that all God has ever done, and He will ever do, will be done for His pleasure.The business and the profit He gave you, He gave for His pleasure.”Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Rev 4:11As you operate your business with this understanding, you can be sure of God’s continuous backing and commitment to your business.And it is His backing and commitment to our businesses that make for wealth creation. With this post I welcome you to the world of wealth and riches.Now to you, in what ways are you using your business to fulfill God’s eternal purpose on the earth? Let’s hear as you make a comment.To Your ProsperitySharon Akinoluwa