Running a small business

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RStephenB
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Running a small business

Post by RStephenB » Sun Apr 26, 2015 7:49 pm

I'm an entrepreneur, and many times I've struggled in implementing my beliefs into various aspects of running a business.

Currently, I'm considering hiring a homosexual for a job. He is a great guy, and would be perfect for the job. He is not "out" in any sort of public way, and in the 5 years I've known him he's never even brought the subject up.

I've hired people who are Jewish, atheist, Muslim, backsliding Christian, American cultural Christian... the whole gamut. My biggest frustrations with employees over the years have been ones that are professing Christians, attend popular churches regularly - which leads me to trust them and consider them trustworthy in all aspects, only to be disappointed by egregious acts of dishonesty and deception (frequently justified on a technicality or rationalized through personal financial needs).

Thoughts?

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TheEditor
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Re: Running a small business

Post by TheEditor » Sun Apr 26, 2015 9:07 pm

Hi Stephen,

Are you asking a question as to whether or not to hire this fellow? My opinion would be, Yes. Why not? If he is a decent sort that does his job and is honest, why not hire him? To not hire him for this particular sin would merely serve to make himself or others believe that Christians indeed do discriminate between sinners. Of course, "Christians"" do, but I don't believe they should. I can commiserate with your last point; I have been very let down by the non-charitable nature of so-called "believers." Not exactly the best witness.

Regards, Brenden.
[color=#0000FF][b]"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery."[/b][/color]

RStephenB
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Re: Running a small business

Post by RStephenB » Sun Apr 26, 2015 10:45 pm

Thanks!

I used to be one of those holier than thou smug know it all Christians who thought because I didn't struggle with overt sins (drinking, swearing, fornication) I was better than others. I used to refuse to even buy alcohol for people when I took large groups out for dinner. I'm pretty embarrassed at myself looking back at it.

The Lord has humbled me and opened my eyes. But I'm having conflicts with my believing friends - many of them still think and act as I used to. I'm trying to figure out how to be a friend of sinners (who I would have refused to associate with in the past) and be salt and light. I'm learning. In the world, not of it. Love the sinner, and not make it my mission to run around and tell unbelievers they're sinning and not as righteous as me.

I plan on hiring him, and hope to be a good witness. Not sure how to deal with things if he gets "married" though.

I appreciate your thoughts, thank you!

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TheEditor
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Re: Running a small business

Post by TheEditor » Sun Apr 26, 2015 11:29 pm

I applaud your efforts. It is difficult when one tries to do what conscience dictates when surrounded by people that would find fault in your decisions. Of course, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus was likewise derided by the religious leaders of his day for making some of the same choices. (Matthew 9:10-11; Mark 2:16; Luke 7:39; Luke 15:2; Luke 19:7).

Regards, Brenden.
[color=#0000FF][b]"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery."[/b][/color]

steve7150
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Re: Running a small business

Post by steve7150 » Mon Apr 27, 2015 7:28 am

Currently, I'm considering hiring a homosexual for a job. He is a great guy, and would be perfect for the job. He is not "out" in any sort of public way, and in the 5 years I've known him he's never even brought the subject up.











Ditto, i would hire him too. Let God be the judge as long as this fellow doesn't harm anyone else and our job is to be a good example to him. Would you not hire a different guy if he were an adulterer?

Singalphile
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Re: Running a small business

Post by Singalphile » Thu Apr 30, 2015 9:43 pm

It is an interesting situation, running a business.

You want good people, but you might always have people who practice every imaginable immoral (but legal) thing. Such a person might be an employee or a customer/client. You could never let anyone's non-business related activity be a factor, or you could make a list about what behaviors or opinions are beyond the pale.

It's also about the best possible opportunity to meet all sorts of people and help and influence them if possible. Maybe that's a little harder for "the boss". I've never been in charge of hiring or firing.

The only doctrine that comes to mind regarding employers is about treating and paying workers fairly. There are general instructions about not judging those outside the Church, being in but not of the world, and about not being unequally yolked. Plenty to consider.
... that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. John 5:23

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dwight92070
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Re: Running a small business

Post by dwight92070 » Sat May 23, 2015 8:10 am

Reply to RStephenB, The last thing I want is to be self righteous, but I don't think I would buy alcohol for a large group. Dinner yes, but not alcohol. Does that make me self righteous, or someone who has the freedom to follow his convictions to use his money wisely? I am not better than unbelievers, but I am definitely better off than they are, having been forgiven and yes, delivered. If we really are a friend to sinners, won't we tell them about Jesus? Isn't that what Jesus commanded us to do? If Jesus has set us free from certain sins, can we not boast about it, without worrying about what people will say? Aren't we supposed to boast in the Lord? He has set me free from guilt and pornograpy. He has given me greater victory in the area of the fear of man. Will I ever fall in those areas again? I know that I could but I don't plan on it, as I attempt to trust Him. We need to be sure that we are not embarrassed or ashamed of Jesus or of being different in the midst of an "evil and adulterous generation".

I commend you for your wanting to be a friend to sinners. I want to be that too. I know that I have not arrived in that area. It's just that I see Christians befriending unbelievers who never mention the name of Jesus, who are ashamed to admit that they live a different lifestyle than they do. Tell me, what kind of a witness is that? Rather than being salt and light, they want to fit in with the crowd. I don't claim to be good at this. I have failed more times than I can count. But I have seen some success and I pray for more. We have to be prepared to lose some friends, if we are willing to be unashamed of Jesus. But we don't want to lose them because we are unkind or vulgar or hypocritical. But if we lose them because we love Jesus, isn't that what Jesus said would happen? "Beware when all men speak well of you."

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Quilter2
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Re: Running a small business

Post by Quilter2 » Thu Jul 09, 2015 11:25 pm

Having worked in insurance, I would definitely NOT buy alcohol for people. If someone got in an accident afterward, you might sued for being the host who supplied it.
As far as the homosexual person, are there any activities you might refrain from doing (like the bakers, photographers, florists) that this guy could object to and get you in trouble? Is there anyone in your employ who might say something this person would find offensive? Sorry to think like this, but that is the world we live in. Christians are targetted. Me, personally, I would not hire him. Better to be a friend and have a witness than risk offense or your livelihood.

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