Luke 19:45-46 “When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling, ‘It is written,’ he said to them, “My house will be a house of prayer”; but you have made it “a den of robbers.”’”
The over-pricing of merchandise in the temple area was robbery. In addition, their location in the outer court was an area reserved for worship by women, Gentiles and other followers. The fact that the sellers crowded them out made Jesus angry.
There was a legitimate need to sell turtledoves and other sacrificial animals (at fair prices) to pilgrims. Long distances made it difficult to bring animals for sacrifice.
Principle: God’s will about pricing, location, and ministry varies with the individual business.
Keeping-the-Sabbath policies in this country used to be known as “Blue Laws.” Many businesses prior to the 1940s stayed closed on “the Lord’s Day.” The idea was to encourage people to go to church or relax with their families instead of working. However, farmers always had to deal with milking, feeding of livestock and gathering of eggs, even on the Lord’s Day.
Staying closed on Sundays is still practiced by some companies. Chick-fil-A is one. Founder Truett Cathy established a closed-on-Sundays policy, which continues to this day. He did it
to draw attention to God’s commandments and for the good of his employees, yet he is not critical of other Christian restaurant owners who are open on Sundays. The closed-on-Sundays policy has turned away certain shopping mall and stadium opportunities but Truett noted their sales are higher in six days than most competitors’ are in seven.
For years, Ralph’s groceries in Southern California closed on Sundays out of personal convictions of its founder. They also did not sell liquor until after he retired.
A Christian businessman should seek God’s will for his business even if it means going against conventional business wisdom.
Discussion:
1. Have you gone against conventional business wisdom in a business decision based on obedience to God?
2. How did it work out?
