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Doing Business God's Way

Chapter Eleven - Treating Customers Fairly

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 25:13-16; Luke 6:31

Challenge:

A character in the popular cartoon, "Peanuts," says, "I love humanity. It’s just people I can’t stand." You also might have heard someone state, "Business would be great, if it weren’t for the people!" Like it or not, although they sometimes seem like a necessary evil, customers truly are the reason for the existence of any business. How should you respond when conflicts arise? Is it true, as a common slogan declares, that "the customer is always right"?

Response: (ask questions and discuss answers)

1. Deuteronomy 25:13-16 commands us to be honest and accurate in our business transactions. What do you think God’s expectations are for us as we deal with our customers?
   • Is the customer always right? Why or why not? Can you think of situations where you should make it clear if the customer is not right?
2. Must you provide every customer with the same deal, or should you allow for different business arrangements from customer to customer? How could the so-called "Golden Rule" in Luke 6:31 apply to customer relations?
3. Suppose you feel a customer has "used" you. How should you respond? Consider the principles taught in Matthew 5:39-40 and 1 Corinthians 6:7. What other passages might apply to this kind of situation?
4. Sometimes incentives are offered as inducements to ensure the finalizing of a business deal? Is it ever justifiable to bribe a customer to gain business? What if a customer attempts to bribe you to obtain a business advantage? How might a Christian respond to such situations?

Application:

"The customers always write," the editor of a newspaper likes to say. Yes, we hear a lot from our customers, and it’s not always what we would like to hear. But through the relationships we cultivate with our customers and clients, we can receive some of our greatest opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Consider your frequent customers: When you deal with them, do you believe they see Christ in you? Or do you do only what is needed to ensure their continued business?

As you reflect on this, pause and pray about any changes you might need to make. When you are tempted to compromise your stand for Christ, or if you can think of times you have in fact sinned for the sake of maintaining or increasing a customer’s business, present these before God’s throne of grace, asking for His strength and, if necessary, His forgiveness.

Remember Matthew 5:16, which says our light is to "shine before men (your customers) in such a way that they see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Are there any changes you should make in your business to make certain this becomes a reality?

Summary: