— “When relationships exist for gain, they become manipulation; when they exist for love, they become mission.”
📖 Summary
Scripture does not forbid business relationships,
but it warns against turning people into tools for personal benefit.
True Christian networking is not about profit—it’s about purpose.
A Christian builds relationships to serve, bless, and reflect Christ,
not to manipulate outcomes.
1️⃣ Introduction | “Is business networking unspiritual?”
In business, relationships seem essential.
But the critical question is: “Why do we connect?”
When people become means to our success,
we stop being witnesses and start being users.
God never forbids relationships—but He forbids idolatry of influence.
2️⃣ Biblical Foundation
📘 Philippians 2:3–4 (ESV) — Humility seeks others’ good, not personal ambition.
📘 Matthew 22:39 (ESV) — Love your neighbor as yourself.
📘 Proverbs 27:17 (ESV) — True relationships sharpen both sides.
📘 Matthew 6:33 (ESV) — Seek God’s kingdom first, not human advantage.
→ Relationships are meant for ministry, not manipulation.
3️⃣ Theological Insights
📜 John MacArthur — The Master’s Plan for the Church
“True fellowship is a byproduct of truth, not ambition.”
📜 R.C. Sproul — Essential Truths of the Christian Faith
“God reveals His character through relationships.
Therefore, relationships must express love, not utility.”
📜 John Piper — Desiring God
“Those who delight in God don’t use people to get more—they use relationships to give more.”
📜 Dietrich Bonhoeffer — Life Together
“Relationships without Christ are poison;
relationships in Christ are channels of life.”
📜 Westminster Larger Catechism Q.135
“Loving our neighbor means praying and acting for their honor, prosperity, and joy.”
4️⃣ False Views vs. Biblical Truth
| False View | Problem | Biblical Truth |
|---|---|---|
| “Business is business.” | Separates faith from work | All work is sacred (Col 3:23). |
| “Networking for profit is realistic.” | Self-centered purpose | Build to serve, not to use (Phil 2:3–4). |
| “Influence gets results faster than faith.” | Human dependence | Seek God first (Matt 6:33). |
| “Results justify manipulation.” | Pragmatism | God weighs motives, not results (1 Sam 16:7). |
5️⃣ Practical Application
1️⃣ Build on truth, not tactics.
2️⃣ Seek mutual growth, not one-sided gain.
3️⃣ Maintain ethical boundaries without compromise.
4️⃣ Remember God’s presence in every interaction.
5️⃣ Approach people with a servant’s heart.
6️⃣ Conclusion
God blesses relationships that reflect His nature,
not those that exploit His image-bearers.
Networking becomes ministry when love replaces manipulation.
“Use relationships to serve, not succeed.
God opens doors for those who open hearts.” — Revito
Faith. Integrity. Relationship. — Revito
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