Ethics matter.
Especially for Christian entrepreneurs.
You can have the best mission statement in town, but it’s how you respond in the pressure moments that reveals your true values. As believers in business, we’re called to walk in integrity—not only because it’s right, but because the world is watching.
That’s why this post is different.
Below are six real-world scenarios that test your ethics and your faith. They’re not just “what ifs”—they’re common situations many Christian business owners will face at some point.
There’s no single right answer. But there is a right process:
Seek wisdom.
Stay grounded in Scripture.
Honor God above profit.
Let’s dig in.
How to Use These Scenarios
- Use them as a team devotional discussion
- Take time personally to write out your response
- Evaluate your current policies and blind spots
Ethical Scenario 1: The Charitable “Request”
A purchasing manager from a large company says they’ll give you their first order—if you donate $200 to their favorite charity (a youth sports team they support).
Do you give the donation?
Is this generosity or a subtle form of bribery?
Biblical Insight:
Proverbs 21:3 – “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
Ethical Scenario 2: Cultural Costs
You’re hosting a Southeast Asian client at your HQ. Your agent asks you to reimburse the client’s “expenses”—some of which may not align with your company’s values or ethical policies. The agent promises to pay you back later.
Do you comply for the sake of the deal?
How do you navigate different cultural norms without compromising?
Biblical Insight:
Romans 12:17 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
Ethical Scenario 3: Bad Info About a Competitor
A prospective client calls and asks, “Hey, what do you know about [Competitor Name]?”
You know your long-time client had a terrible experience with them.
Do you share what you’ve heard?
Or do you redirect without gossip?
Biblical Insight:
Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…”
Ethical Scenario 4: Supporting a Friend’s Business
You’re planning a small office party. The food budget is $200. Your neighbor just started a catering business and offers to do it at cost—with some extras thrown in for free.
Should you accept her offer to help her business?
Are there COI (conflict of interest) concerns?
Biblical Insight:
Proverbs 11:1 – “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.”
Ethical Scenario 5: Social Media Slander
Someone is trashing your business online—posting false reviews, saying your product is worthless, and accusing your company of being unethical. This is spreading across social platforms and review sites.
Do you respond publicly?
Call your lawyer?
Pray and let it go?
Biblical Insight:
1 Peter 3:16 – “Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
Ethical Scenario 6: Insider Intel
A former employee from your competitor now works for you. He says, “I still have notes from their old bid strategy. Want to take a look before the next pitch?”
It’s legal… but is it right?
What would Jesus say?
Biblical Insight:
Proverbs 10:9 – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
Take Action: Reflect and Rebuild
Don’t rush past these. Take time to walk through each one, and then ask:
- How would I respond, and why?
- Do I have policies in place to guide this?
- Do my employees know these policies?
- Where do I need to implement (or revise) ethical guidelines?
Bonus Challenge: Schedule an Ethics Check-In
Do a team training on ethical decision-making
Role-play these scenarios with leadership staff
Add ethics into onboarding and quarterly reviews
Final Thought
Running a Christian business means we don’t just play by the rules—we honor God with every decision. Even when it’s costly. Even when no one’s looking.
Because integrity isn’t a marketing slogan—it’s the quiet, consistent way we walk in obedience.
If you need help setting up your business ethics policy, or you want a faith-based sounding board, I’d be honored to help.
Schedule a chat with Rev. Lyle
Christian ethics in business means making the tough decisions for the right reasons. #ChristianEntrepreneur #ChristianBusiness #ChristianEthics Share on X