Would you do business with a Christian? - Steven Dollenberg
Jan 20, 2011
The word ‘believer’ in new testament Greek is the same word translated to 'trustworthy’ in other parts of the bible. This begs the question, "Am I trustworthy?" Or even closer to home, does my being a Christian influence whether or not people want to do business with me?
The scripture that got me thinking is 1 Corinthians 4vs1. "This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy."
- As Christians we are to be servants
- We are also stewards of the mysteries of God
- As stewards, we are to be trustworthy.
Not rocket science I know, but follow me with where this thought leads…
Christian = Trustworthy
The very word pistos [trustworthy] is also translated to ‘believer’ in 67 verses across the new testament! In other words, over and above it being a nice fruit we hope to exude one day as Christians, it is the very fabric of being children of God. Pistos pertains to belief that trusts [vertically] and therefore those who can be trusted [horizontally].
Acts 16vs1 - Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer [PISTOS], but his father was a Greek.
1 Tim 1vs15 - The saying is trustworthy [PISTOS] and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
2 Cor 6.15 - What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer [PISTOS] share with an unbeliever?
Titus 1vs9 - He must hold firm to the trustworthy [PISTOS] word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
1 Peter 1vs20-21 - He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers [PISTOS] in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
How do I know if I am trustworthy?
A friend once said, a good way to judge whether your behaviour is Christlike or not is to ask yourself, "At this point in the conversation [or meeting/business deal/relationship], would I feel confident to invite the person to church?” I must admit I am more likely not to use a company or service if I hear that they are Christian. But I have to ask myself, are others saying that of me?
