Profit is thus an indication that I have made something useful for others, and in that way it can show that I am doing good for others in the goods and services that I sell.

Therefore, in contrast to some people’s attitude toward life today, productive work is not evil or undesirable in itself, or something to be avoided. Productive work should not be seen as “bad,” but as something “good.” In fact, the Bible does not view positively the idea of retiring early and not working at anything again. Rather, work in itself

To be in God’s image means to be like God and to represent God on the earth.

But the distortions of something good must not cause us to think that the thing itself is evil.

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12).

God created us in such a way that we would want to imitate his character. He created us in such a way that we would take spontaneous delight in seeing reflections of his character in our own actions and in the actions of others.

I believe the reason God gave the command, “You shall not steal,” is that ownership of possessions is a fundamental way that we imitate God’s sovereignty over the universe by our exercising “sovereignty” over a tiny portion of the universe, the things we own.

The ability to earn a profit thus results in multiplying our resources while helping other people. It is a wonderful ability that God gave us and it is not evil or morally neutral, but is fundamentally good. Through it we can reflect many of God’s attributes, such as love for others, wisdom, sovereignty, and planning for the future.

If God gives us a small stewardship with regard to material possessions or abilities and opportunities, then we can glorify him through being content in him, trusting in him for our needs, expecting reward from him, and being faithful to our commitments.