Solid Ground

Just hating wrongdoing is not enough...

Today's Scripture:

Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation.
Proverbs 16:12

At times, you may use power and politics to accomplish your goals. Often you have to turn a losing battle into a win-win scenario. Sometimes you even have to acquiesce to decisions with which you disagree, or compromise on an issue about which you have strong convictions. In other words, you confront ethical dilemmas. To be sure that your behavior is regarded as ethical, it is helpful to consider certain accepted criteria for ethical practice.

Ethical decisions take into consideration the greater good. Consider which result will bring you closer to seeing the optimal satisfaction of all people involved in the organization. Although you may seldom be able to please everyone, considering the best decision for the whole group will meet the needs of the majority. Free speech, free consent, freedom of conscience, privacy, and due process are all rights that need to be considered for the individuals affected. Your behavior should respect the rules of justice by treating everyone equitably and fairly. And finally, your decisions should be scripturally guided. Be careful to distinguish between your own personal convictions, denominational doctrines, and scriptural principles.

Hating wrongdoing is not enough. Having a moral foundation for your leadership is vital. Justice is proved through your actions. Although you may not always be able to treat everyone equally, strive to treat everyone justly. By applying the criteria for ethical behavior, you will build a more solid ground for your platform for leadership.

Selah people' and friends the next time you find yourself in an ethical dilemma, give yourself this acid test: Are your actions for the greater good? Are you respecting individuals? Is this fair? Is this scripturally sound?

"Choose this day to ground yourself and be ready to serve the greater good."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston