Biblical Answer

Is it selfish to want to hold on to my business when it's failing?

Selfishness and Business

The question of whether it is selfish to want to hold on to your business when it's failing is a complex one. On one hand, wanting to hold on to your business can be a natural response to the emotional investment you have in it. After all, your business is a part of your identity and a source of livelihood for you and your family. However, from a biblical perspective, selfishness is not just about wanting something for yourself, but also about how that desire affects others.

The Dangers of Selfishness

In the context of business, selfishness can manifest in a variety of ways. For instance, when individuals are driven by a lust for success, power, and wealth, they may be willing to sacrifice others in order to achieve their goals. This can lead to a culture of exploitation, where others are taken advantage of in order to further one's own interests. In contrast, a Christian approach to business would emphasize the importance of considering the well-being of others, including employees, customers, and the community at large. This means being willing to make sacrifices and take risks in order to ensure that the business is run in a way that is fair, just, and beneficial to all stakeholders.

A Humble Approach

In light of these considerations, it's not necessarily selfish to want to hold on to your business when it's failing. However, it's essential to approach the situation with a humble and servant-hearted attitude. This means being willing to listen to advice, consider the perspectives of others, and be open to making changes that may be necessary to ensure the long-term success of the business. It also means being mindful of the potential impact of your decisions on others, including your employees, customers, and community. By taking a humble and servant-hearted approach, you can avoid the pitfalls of selfishness and instead focus on running a business that is beneficial to all stakeholders. Ultimately, the goal of business should be to glorify God and serve others, rather than just to achieve personal success or wealth. As the Bible says, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself" (Phil. 2:3 NASB).