This from yesterday’s Columbus Dispatch:
For China’s low-cost jewelry makers, it was an open trade secret: The metal cadmium is shiny, strong and malleable at low temperatures, regardless of its health hazards. And it’s cheap. Despite the risks, manufacturers in factories ringing this city on China’s east coast say their top priority is profit. So offering cut-rate goods often means using lower-quality materials, including cadmium, which is known to cause cancer. “Business is business, and it’s all up to our client,” said He Huihua, manager of the Suiyuan Jewelry Shop at International Trade City in Yiwu, a sprawling wholesale mecca where sellers pitch their wares in hopes of landing a lucrative export contract.
“Business is business.” I wince every time I hear these words. Let’s be clear. I am not against making a legitimate profit. I am not anti-business. My dad owned his own business and I worked there quite a bit when I was a boy. In fact, I am quite pro-business because I believe a healthy business environment is necessary for domestic tranquility. Neither am I against Chinese business or any legitimate business anywhere in the world.
What I am against is this thinly veiled rationalization that attempts to excuse unethical behavior and subordinate human welfare for the sake of profit. Any profit gained at the expense or detriment of other humans is unholy, whether it is selling illegal drugs or potentially dangerous merchandise. Jesus’ observation that we cannot serve two masters comes to mind quickly. So does his interaction with the rich young ruler.
Money itself is not evil. In fact, if used correctly it can be a real blessing. But the last time I checked it could not raise you from the dead (although it can give you a glitzy sendoff) and therefore we should not worship it or give it priority over God (as Jesus pointed out to his disciples after the rich young ruler went away sad). John Wesley used to urge his people to make all they could so that they could give away all that they could to help the poor and marginalized. He also practiced what he preached. Wesley realized the welfare and dignity of all human beings is everybody’s business because we are all made in God’s image and money is a necessary part in helping to provide some of our basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing.
However, when we become a slave to money, it becomes another form of idolatry and that is never good. Blithe rationalizations like “business is business” also harm legitimate business enterprises and tends to give everyone a black eye, even ethical and honest entrepreneurs. The next time you hear someone say that “business is business” in an attempt to rationalize questionable business practices, call that person on it, but do it with charity.
Money is a necessary commodity but never at the expense of anyone’s soul, buyers and sellers included. Pray that the Lord will open the eyes of all who worship money over the Source and Author of all life. They are truly some of the most impoverished people in the world, irrespective of the size of their bank accounts.