Wayne Grudem's "business for the Glory of God"

Wayne Grudem's "Business for the Glory of God" first point the author makes is regarding Ownership. Grudem states that God wants us to have possessions, by exercising authority over a tiny portion of our universe, the things we own. When we care for our things, our possessions, we are, in a sense, imitating God taking care of His universe. One good use of our resources is to share them with others and give some of them away. Giving is important in life and business because it solidifies our trust in God. By trusting God, we can rid ourselves of some of our possessions and/or money, giving them to others less fortunate, because we know that God will provide us with what we need. Another good use of our resources is to simply enjoy them, with thanksgiving given to God. Using our possessions in a foolish, wasteful manner are materialistic and wrong in the eyes of God, especially when we neglect the needs of others. The author shares that possessions in themselves are not evil, and neither is the ownership of such items. It is the way they are cared for that makes them evil. Ownership provides many ways for giving thanks to God, and we should be thankful for everything that we have.

Productivity

Productivity is also fundamental in the business world. God put things on this earth for us to develop and use. The process of productive work gives us many ways to glorify Him. When we work to produce, or make an item, we are demonstrating love for others, wisdom in understanding their needs, and also interdependence and interpersonal cooperation. God delights in seeing His character reflected in our lives. He made us with a desire to be productive, which in itself is not evil, but good. When wars or governments prevent us from producing goods, production is hindered and the earth's productivity is decreased, which is not good. Productivity of goods and services is fundamentally good and pleasing to God.

Profit

"God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground." (Genesis 1:28, NIV)

By "expanding and multiplying whatever resources or stewardship God has entrusted to you"(Grudem, p 43) is seen as fundamentally good in His eyes. By charging exorbitant prices that deplete people's wealth, or by operating a monopoly, profit then becomes excessive and wrong. By making a profit in business, we can show God our love for others, wisdom, sovereignty and planning for the future.