Discussion Board Replies

I believe that the Bible, specifically 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, does not prohibit Wanda from entering a corporation, LLC, or partnership with a friend who is not a believer. This particular topic has various well-supported views and scholarly opinions as the Bible does not speak directly about business partners, thus providing the opportunity for interpretation. However, the Bible is clear in heeding much caution surrounding yourself with uplifting people and on the importance of honesty, integrity, and loyalty.

The first aspect I would examine with Wanda is the context of 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. The verse states, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" (NIV). The word yoke, defined by Oxford Living Dictionary is, "A wooden crosspiece that is fasted over the necks of two animals and attached to plough or cart that they are to pull" (Dictionary). The question that first needs to be addressed before jumping to conclusions is, what is this specific verse referring to? As John MacArthur states in his article, "Unequally Yoked", speaking in light of the concept of yoke, "Truly, that would refer to marriage because there's no firmer, stronger, more binding yoke than marriage, right? If you go beyond that and ask, "What about a business partnership?" it would depend upon the nature of that partnership" (MacArthur). The critical difference that MacArthur points out is the nature of the relationships.

A marriage is the most sacred, intimate, and united relationship attainable apart from our relationship with God. In Matthew 19:5-6 it states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate" (NIV). The idea that the two will become one flesh in union of partnership differs so incredibly greatly from a business partnership. A business partner, even if a lifelong friend as in Wanda's case, should not hold the same power as a marriage partner or a close, inner-circle friend, in the setting of business. If certain values and ideas are first established in the business partnership, then unavoidable conflict becomes avoidable. Christians should never abandon their firm beliefs and morals in any context.

Every day we are challenged with this, not just strictly with business. If an individual believes they will give up their Christian values in a blink of an eye, then not only should they not be considering entering into this partnership but should examine their heart and loyalty. In the same way Wanda does not need to sell her stock in GM because of nonbelievers. If Christians limit themselves because of the potential of sin and shut out all the unbelievers in the business world, who are they truly benefiting? Christian business will become a small bubble when instead intelligent, educated, and honest Christians could be spreading the gospel, making a difference and loving others despite if they are Christians or not. In conclusion, I would tell Wanda to pray about it and do some of her own research to come to an ultimate conclusion that she is comfortable with. You can serve the Lord either way and in the end, that is the most important aspect of our lives.

References

MacArthur, J. (2016, August 18). Unequally Yoked. Retrieved March 26, 2017, from
https://www.gty.org/library/Questions/QA196/Unequally-Yoked

NIV Bible. (1997). London: Hodder & Stoughton.

Oxford Dictionaries - Dictionary, Thesaurus, & Grammar. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2017.

I have personally felt the weight of making the decision of entering into a business with a non-believer. In my own opinion I would advise Wanda to not enter into a business with her non-believing friend. As the bible states in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 we are not to be unequally yoked with a non-believer in any type of relationship. We as believers are yoked to God and he is helping us bear the burdens we face in our daily lives. Working with a non-believer, you think to yourself will do no harm but little by little you are slowly charging the way you behave or think. Her commitment into any type of partnership, corporation or LLC will bind her to her friend in all decisions, even ones that will violate her faith and what she believes.

In regards to Wanda's additional question about her stock with GM, I do not believe she will need to sell her stocks because she is not working closely with GM. She is not being consulted on a daily basis about GM business dealings. She just earns money by the amount of business that GM produces. None of GMs decisions will effect Wanda's personal life decisions or beliefs. I do believe that if GM as a company were to start promoting anything that will conflict with Wanda's Christian beliefs then she should consider selling her stocks and putting her money into a different company.

References

Working with Nonbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2017, from https://www.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/2-corinthians/working-with-nonbelievers-2-corinthians-614-18

Holy Bible, red-letter edition: Holman Christian Standard Bible. (2004). Nashville: Holman Bible .