A Matter of Ethics

Ethics Defined
As Christians, we have an obligation to place into practice that which Christ taught us.  Even when we do things lawfully, we still have a higher standard we must keep.


In all things we are to judge righteously.  We prove all things by two or more witnesses.  We set the standard all things by the commandments of God.  We test all things by the Word of God.

Our personal interests and feelings only are one witness.  Even of this Jesus said he could be bear witness of himself as his witness would not be true.  He was only one, not the two required - thus his witness would not be considered true.  Even as a measurement can be considered not true.  That is not to say it is a lie as we are not judging to see if it is a lie.  We are looking in the truth of things.  If the truth is not there, it cannot be used.  Much like the measurement that comes up short, that which we measured cannot be used or be considered.

So in work, we set not a goal, but a measurement.  The standard to which all employees and management must hold themselves.  If they do not measure up, then they must change or not be considered.

Sadly, even where I work, this is not followed.  In advancing individuals to positions, they show gross favoritism rather than to choose those who are qualified, and showed that they can do the work.  This even includes the objections of others who might otherwise have no say in the matter.

Being ethical is not prejudging anyone.  It is going with the facts and accepting them.  Not letting personal bias or the bias of others to change or exclude the facts.  Its doing the right thing even when everyone else objects.  Its doing the right thing, even if it means taking the blow of the outcome yourself.  Yet your actions set a higher standard conduct, but if you choose to ignore ethics (morals) then you become something less. 


Romans 14:13  Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 
14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 
15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 
16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 
18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 
19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 
21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 
22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 
23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

Paul gives an example where food is considered.  While it may be lawful for Christians to eat of the item, it may not be lawful for others, based on their beliefs or feelings.  If we as Christians can abstain from such foods and set an example of not causing an offense, then we should do so.

This is also true with business.  If your actions are within the law, they may be perceived as unethical, or worse - as an injustice.

While you may feel that your actions are fine, the effect of your actions can cause others to stray.  If there is something that you know is perfectly benign but someone may perceive it to be something else, then it is your responsibility to be an example to those around you and do that which encourages lawfulness and ethics.  For while you have an intention of good, if more than one perceives it as that which is less than good, then it is witnessed as less than good.

When we deal with ethics, it is a standard where we subject ourselves to a peer review for all the things we do.  Our first and foremost peer is God.  His word sets the high standard.  The fruits of our actions and works is the second witness.  particularly when others are involved.


In business we must apply the same principal.  If we do something which is within the law, but can be perceived as being a company without standards, we risk loosing the customers we have and/or risk driving those who would be our customers away.

As businessmen and businesswomen we have to make hard choices.  When we hire people, when we promote them, and - sadly - when we have to let them go. These choices define our character.  Even though we are within the law to do so, are we within the moral law, are we within the boundaries of what is acceptable within our industry and our society.

The same exists within our personal life.  How we respond to situations and other issues are seen by others.  Most importantly, by God!  Let us be a Godly example.

Yet we must understand there is a difference between ethics and lawlessness. While man can set a "ethics" standard, if it does not first meet the standards set by God's word, or by the laws of man, then it is of no worth.  Gangs set their own standard of ethics, or conduct, but it is lawlessness and as such becomes of no worth.

Even when we see an injustice at work.  Such an injustice can be a violation of common ethical conduct.  While it can be lawful, and within the boundaries of a contract, it can still be seen as an act of injustice - something of no or negative worth.

Advancing someone above another without regards to the protocols and common ethics involved with job advancement - such putting personal preference over someone with more skills and more seniority than the one chosen - is unethical.  It is an injustice.

But we also must consider the rule of two - it takes two to bare witness to something.  Perhaps there is something you cannot see.  Maybe for some reason they chose that way because of other circumstances involved with the person who would have been more qualified.


In this we must also apply ethics.  A higher moral standard.  We know our life and we must continue in that life as children of God.  Our very actions must be accounted as Godly, and the fruits of our hands worthy of praise - both by those who we work for, and most importantly - by God.

In this we become ministers of the truth.  We become that standard which ashames others and condemns unrighteous choices of management.  Above, in verse 19, it is written: "...let us purse what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding."

Strive for peace among those you work with, but continue the fight to set things right.  Not by your standards, but GOD's.  He will bless you for it.