Biblical Principles Applied to Accounting
Biblical Principles Applied to Accounting
When most people think of business they picture a bunch of fat cats in suits stealing
from the poor in order to fill their own pockets. The reality is that for the most part that
couldn’t be further from the truth. Hard work, innovation, and honesty make up the true
business man’s credentials. Jesus could have possibly learned some of these traits when he
worked at his father’s business as a carpenter.
Accounting is the numbers side of business, but it definitely can be a place where a
Christian can excel or fail at keeping the faith. Accounting is all about keeping track or
“account” of everything and making sure everything is in order. Being true and honest in your
account is extremely important. The concepts of accountability, stewardship, sin, deceit, and
disclosure all play a key role in representing Christ in the workplace.
1 Corintihians 4:2 tells us that, “those who have been given a trust must prove
faithful”. When investors look at possible companies to invest in numbers are king. Potential
shareholders want to see big profits and small losses. Accountants are faced with a choice
each and every day to either be honest and potentially look bad, or be truthful and face the
consequences. It is extremely easy to “fluff” up numbers when doing complex accounting
because the average joe will just take your word for it. 2 Corinthians 8:21 tells us, “For we
aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.” Clear and
thorough work is what were called to do, and every accountant knows this.
“Cooking the books” is a common practice that inflates numbers in order to make a
failing company look appealing to onlookers. This practice is not only deceitful, but it is also
dangerous. By keeping a failing company afloat with false numbers one is only looking for
trouble and digging themselves into a deeper hole.
When most people think of business they picture a bunch of fat cats in suits stealing
from the poor in order to fill their own pockets. The reality is that for the most part that
couldn’t be further from the truth. Hard work, innovation, and honesty make up the true
business man’s credentials. Jesus could have possibly learned some of these traits when he
worked at his father’s business as a carpenter.
Accounting is the numbers side of business, but it definitely can be a place where a
Christian can excel or fail at keeping the faith. Accounting is all about keeping track or
“account” of everything and making sure everything is in order. Being true and honest in your
account is extremely important. The concepts of accountability, stewardship, sin, deceit, and
disclosure all play a key role in representing Christ in the workplace.
1 Corintihians 4:2 tells us that, “those who have been given a trust must prove
faithful”. When investors look at possible companies to invest in numbers are king. Potential
shareholders want to see big profits and small losses. Accountants are faced with a choice
each and every day to either be honest and potentially look bad, or be truthful and face the
consequences. It is extremely easy to “fluff” up numbers when doing complex accounting
because the average joe will just take your word for it. 2 Corinthians 8:21 tells us, “For we
aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.” Clear and
thorough work is what were called to do, and every accountant knows this.
“Cooking the books” is a common practice that inflates numbers in order to make a
failing company look appealing to onlookers. This practice is not only deceitful, but it is also
dangerous. By keeping a failing company afloat with false numbers one is only looking for
trouble and digging themselves into a deeper hole.