Now for the rest of the story - There is a reason I use my Christian Business Directroy for services and product. I prodcued the CBD thur our Christian radio station and since they advertised with me I prefer to support them.
I certainly understand that, but I kind of dislike the whole “Christian Business Directory” for a few reasons:
1.) In general, I don’t like the name “Christian” attached to anything that is not a person. Certainly, a school or church that identifies itself as Christian is telling the public where they stand in regarding to theological issues. And a Christian book store is identifying its area of specialization, but beyond those examples and probably a few more, I don’t like it. I believe it cheapens what it means to be a Christian.
2.) The Christian Business Directories I have seen make a point of telling Christians they need to spend their money within the household of faith, whenever possible, instead of spending it among the unchurched. I can find no biblical basis for this position, although I see Galatians 6:10 misused as the proof text for it. To the contrary, I think if we are to be salt and light to the world, we must constantly seek to broaden our relationships with the community around us, allowing us to influence others and share the gospel in word and deed as we do business with the lost world.
3.) Frankly, if a business feels the need to rely on the owner’s “Christian” pedigree to market their services, I have to wonder how good they are at what they do. If a business treats me fairly and honestly, does good work, and is concerned about my satisfaction, they have my business… even if it costs a little more. I’ve had very mixed results when dealing with allegedly “Christian” businesses. They may say “God Bless” when I greet them, but if they don’t fix my car properly or do a nice job of painting my house, I don’t want to deal with them.