Several weeks back, we were chatting with dinner guests at our home, enjoying the fellowship.  The couple are active Christians, the wife running a ministry for disadvantaged women.  I had asked about how the renovations were coming on their house, among other things.  Not much later, I hear something like this: "I find Christians aren't any more reliable or trustworthy than business people who aren't.  In fact, it's even a disadvantage if they are Christians." 

That's probably not a verbatim quote, but the gist of the thought is intact.  My ears perked up.  Why?  I am ashamed to admit that I lean to the same view.  Here, I had found someone with a similar opinion.  Without blowing my cover just yet, I asked why.  Well, in short, she said, because Christians often times use their "goody" identity as a crutch for less-than competitive services.  Hmmm,  what do you think?

I'll be up front.  Here's my view.  Call me calloused, call me jaded, but when someone mentions to me that they are a Christian while they are trying to sell me a service or do business with me, my guard goes up ... real fast.  I literally make a run for it.  Why?  I've have been burned so many times by so-called Christians as well as being defrauded.  And, apart from that, I've often been disappointed with the quality of service or work being done by so-called brethern.

Is it just me, perhaps a false perception, or is it fact?  Could it be that Christians disappoint us so much, because we expect so more of them?  Or, do many Christians indeed slough off on their integrity and work ethic, thinking that brotherly Christians will allow their excuses because "we're family."

Maybe my experiences have been worse than others, in this respect.  I can honestly say that some of the most despicable people I have seen on Wall Street or in business were so-called Christians.  They were the types that hob-nobbed around Christian Business Men's clubs, to make contacts ... etc.  They were on their best behaviour in church on Sunday.  But, Monday was another story.  So, maybe they weren't Christians?  Of course, I'm not fit to judge.

So what's your take on Christians in business or the so-called "good housekeeping seal of approval" that the "Christian brandname" should offer when buying or selling services?  Am I the only who no longer puts much value in anyone telling me that they're a Christian?  Is it the sign of the times?  Tell me of your experiences.