5 Ways to Honor God in Your Business Decisions

All eyes are on you. That's the reality of being in the position of a manager, owner, or administrator. While that has an obvious sobering affect to anyone with a conscience, it also is a great privilege to truly make a difference.

Honoring God isn’t just for Sundays—it’s a daily practice that should shape every business decision we make. As leaders, we have the opportunity to reflect God’s character through integrity, service, and stewardship. Let’s dive into five practical ways to integrate your faith into your business decisions.

1. Seek God’s Guidance Through Prayer and Scripture

Before making significant decisions, do you pause to pray? Do you seek God’s wisdom in His Word? Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Business leaders who take time to seek God’s guidance through prayer demonstrate humility and dependence on Him.

Early in my leadership career, I faced a critical decision about whether to expand a program at the school I led. It was a financially risky move. I spent weeks praying and studying passages about stewardship. God’s answer wasn’t instant, but over time, I felt clarity and peace to move forward. That decision became one of the most impactful for the organization. Imagine the clarity and peace you could gain by dedicating just 10 minutes daily to pray for wisdom in your leadership and decision-making.

2. Commit to Ethical Practices

Honoring God means doing what is right, even when it’s difficult or costly. Proverbs 11:1 (NIV) says, “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.” Integrity is a cornerstone of Christian leadership, and our teams and clients take notice when we uphold ethical standards.

Consider Chick-fil-A’s decision to close on Sundays—a practice rooted in honoring God. While this decision sacrifices potential revenue, it reflects their commitment to principles over profit. Remarkably, Chick-fil-A consistently ranks among the top-performing fast-food chains in the U.S., with higher per-location sales than competitors (QSR Magazine, 2023). Similarly, ask yourself, “Am I prioritizing God’s standards in every aspect of my business?”

3. Invest in People

God calls us to love others, and this includes the people we work with and serve. A leadership culture of loving people was modeled by Jesus to the greatest extents. German Theologian Dietrich Bonheoffer echoed this when he stated "The righteous person lives for the next generation."

Evaluate how you invest in your team. Do they have opportunities to grow? Are you leading with compassion? Leaders who focus on people—not just profits—reflect Christ’s love. For example, Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, believed that "We’re in the people business. Serving a sandwich is just our way of loving them." His dedication to investing in employees, such as offering scholarships and leadership development, has inspired countless leaders to value people over profit.

4. Steward Resources Wisely

Everything we manage ultimately belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). Wise stewardship involves careful planning, budgeting, and using resources to benefit others. Remember the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, which shows the importance of managing God’s gifts effectively.

Business for the Glory of God by Wayne Grudem (2003), highlights how business can reflect God’s character when we approach it with stewardship and excellence. Consider how each dollar you spend reflects your values.

5. Prioritize Kingdom Impact

Finally, consider how your business can advance God’s Kingdom. This might include donating a portion of profits to ministries, partnering with nonprofits, or simply creating a workplace where the Gospel is lived out. Matthew 6:33 (NIV) urges us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Reflect on how your business can bless others beyond its core mission. For example, could you mentor young Christian entrepreneurs or sponsor community initiatives?

Challenge: Share one specific way you’ve integrated faith into your business on social media. Use the hashtag #CallingToLead to inspire others and connect with a community of Christian leaders sharing their faith-driven business practices.

Closing Thoughts

Leading a business as a Christian requires courage, intentionality, and reliance on God. By seeking His guidance, committing to ethics, investing in people, stewarding resources, and focusing on Kingdom impact, we can build organizations that thrive and glorify Him.

Resource Highlight: For more inspiration, check out Lead Like Jesus Revisited by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges (2016).

Next Steps: If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights and encouragement tailored to Christian business leaders.

References

• Grudem, W. (2003). Business for the Glory of God: The Bible's Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business. Crossway.

• Blanchard, K., & Hodges, P. (2016). Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time. Thomas Nelson.

• Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011)