Business Questions?

2 thoughts on “Christian Business Questions Answered by Pastor Scott”

1. 

   Adriaan says:

   Hi there

   I’ve got a question on how restraints-of-trade operate in regards to christian business and morals

   My wife is leaving her company she works for where she signed a restraint of trade to not operate in the same field of business for a year after she leaves. We want to start our own business doing the same trade as she was doing at her company, but our plan is to not approach any of her work’s previous clients or steal away any of their employees. So our hearts are to protect the previous business and not them in any harm by stealing clients away.

   Legally I’ve consulted lawyers and they say that the restraint is not enforceable and goes against our country’s constitutional right for an individual to earn an income for themselves. And there’s nothing involved that would pass as a ‘trade secret’ in any legal sense. So in a nutshell, they cannot enforce it on anybody legally, unless you steal their clients away. But keeping it would almost be submitting to a slavery which is also not ethical and would take away rights you have legally to earn a living for yourself. So legally, and according to law, it is allowed

   But on the other end she signed a contract (or a vow, using the related biblical term) to not do business for a year. Should one in trying to the right thing before God, keep the vow that was made, even though it’s not legal, or even reasonable?

   Should we keep to her contract, or go forward, still protecting the business of her employers? I wanna do the right thing before God, so any insight in this regard would be appreciated!

   Thanks

   February 23, 2018 at 2:16 pm

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   • 

     dsprindle says:

     Hi Adriaan,

     Thanks for your great question.

     Our son and personal friends faced the same question when they sold their businesses. Without a strong conviction of the Holy Spirit, it is easy to do what everyone else in your culture does.

     From my point of view, a promise is a promise. Unfortunately this is not the typical attitude today. Most people seem to think that fulfillment of a vow (promise) is conditional. Just consider the divorce rate and the impact on families, especially children.

     Yes, there is always a “legal” way to not keep your promise, as the Pharisees learned to perfect. But you as a Christian are held to Kingdom standards. You are ordained as a king and priest. Let your “yes be yes” and your “no be no”. Be a good witness of Christ in you.

     This is not easy, especially when it looks like you could suffer by keeping your promise. But here is the Good News. Jesus came to give you abundant life!

     So the real question to ask is, “Will I trust the Lord to bless me regardless of the circumstances?” When you put your faith in the goodness of God you will never lose. This is the main issue. Huge blessings are deposited in heaven for you. Could your situation be a test of your faith?

     I hope this helps. We are praying for the Holy Spirit to lead you and would love to hear what you decide is the best course of action for you.

     One final thought. Having started many businesses, it takes at least a year of good planing to start a successful new business. You can start laying the foundation today and still keep your promise. This way your business will be launched with great momentum.

     Love Never Fails,
     Scott

     February 23, 2018 at 5:47 pm

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