CHRISTIAN IDEAL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 181, 2 August 1944, Page 2

CHRISTIAN IDEAL

IN COMMERCE TO-DAY EMPLOYERS' RESPONSIBILITY

"Can a man be a Christian in business to-day?" This was the subject of addresses by two business men, Mr. Henry Stevens and Mr. Keith Liddle, at a public meeting held last night in the assembly hall of St. David's Church, Khyber Pass Road, by the Auckland Council of Christian Congregations. The president, Mr. F. C. Pace, presided. The attendance was small, but those present showed keen interest in the discussion. ? Mr. "Stevens said that many people asserted that Christianity and business did not mix. Others said it was impossible to be a Christian in business to-day. "First of all," he said, "what is a Christian? Interpretations vary, but I would say a Christian is not just a "good person," but one who is in voluntary, personal, vital relationship with God through Christ. It is possible to be a Christian in business to-day, because all things can be accomplished through Christ, and all the difficulties that beset the business man at the present time can be overcome if we have faith in Him."

The help which he had received through prayer, when he had had to make decisions, or had been in financial straits, was emphasised by Mr. Liddle. "I believe the aim of Christian employers should be to deal with men, as they believe God would. For me, business is a tremendous adventure in Christianity, and when I have been baffled or alarmed I have put matters in God's hands," he said. He added, humorously, "As for the labour problems of to-day, it takes God to deal with them!"

Mr. Liddle said he did not think the good Christian business man should aim at making money for himself, but should be a channel through which others could be made happy.

"New System Wanted" A member of the audience, Mr. S. J. Hines, said he considered the methods of business at present followed in the world did not allow men to be truly Christian. A new world system was needed so that men could, indeed, be "their brother's keeper." Mr. J. Victor Macky, who was present, said he agreed with the speakers, and considered employers had a big responsibility to the people they employed. "I am becoming a Socialist," he said. "I do not think it right to amass great wealth, while others are suffering. , "No one can become rich without the help of others, and the business man who can truly say his employees are glad to see him when he arrives at his office or factory is a happy citizen." Mr. Macky urged young, businessmen to "make haste slowly." It was no use having a goal unless it was the right one, and this they should endeavour to discover by seeking God's advice. In thanking the speakers, Mr. Pace said he believed people were waiting for the impact of Christ's spirit in daily life and in business. Success in living, not material success, was what counted.