Let's continue our discussion as to why business exists. So far we've mentioned that business exists to glorify God and to serve people. Here is the third reason …
3. To provide an opportunity for meaningful contribution.
God has created us with the need for meaningful work. Part of our sense of significance comes from our ability to make a contribution to our world. God is a worker and he created us to work too. It is part of his purpose for our lives. Business provides people with an opportunity to be involved in meaningful work, thus enhancing their sense of dignity and contribution.
Have a read of what the apostle Paul wrote to some followers of Jesus Christ in the first century …
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don't follow the tradition they received. For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: 'Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.' Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people's business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good."[2 Thessalonians 3:6-13. NLT]
By creating and maintaining jobs business provides work that not only supports families financially but also harnesses people’s skills and creative energies.
Tomorrow … one more reason …