What is the definition of ethics? The Chambers dictionary defines ethics “as the study of the science of morals – also called moral philosophy – rules or principles of behaviour.”
Who determines these rules of moral behaviour? Can society and Governments set these rules by themselves without any reference authority such as the Bible? Our politicians legislate standards of behaviour based on past Biblical history and human wisdom, so that society can operate in an orderly fashion. But are these rules becoming “watered down” over time by human thinking that gradually allows old standards to be lowered.
Let’s look at what the Bible says about ethics through Paul in Colossians 3 v 1-5: “Since, then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
The Bible does give us detailed instructions on how we should live. God’s Word covers every situation we face throughout our lives. Its principles give us standards by which we conduct ourselves. These include the 10 Commandments and many verses from Proverbs and Psalms.
Colossians 3 v12-14 continues: “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
How do we apply good ethics and morals in life? We have been born with a spiritual conscience. Conscience is defined as a “moral sense of right and wrong that determines someone’s thoughts and behaviour – knowledge within oneself.” In the cartoon, Ginger Meggs, when Benny asks Ginger “What is your conscience?” Ginger replies “It’s that little voice in your head that warns you someone might be watching!”
Romans 1 v 19 -21 (TPT) says “For the wickedness of humanity deliberately smothers the truth and keeps people from acknowledging the truth about God. In reality, the truth of God is known instinctively, for God has imbedded the knowledge inside every human being. Opposition to truth cannot be excused on the basis of ignorance, because from the creation of the world, the invisible qualities of God’s nature have been made visible, such as his eternal power and transcendence……. So then, this leaves everyone without excuse.”
We are all guilty of ignoring our consciences speaking to us on many occasions. We need to ask God in prayer to help and guide us in developing and using our consciences in our actions and decision making.
2 Corinthians 4 v 1-2 says: Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”
So what Christian ethical standards should we set? The LCA has released a policy titled “LCA Standards of Ethical Behaviour.” God created the Church to continue his work on earth. Its task is to celebrate love and life and to be the vehicle for God’s continued work of bringing love to life in the world. The experience of being loved brings with it a kind of newness that brings out the best in us.
In particular, the standard as applied to financial and administrative matters in a church or business environment, gives examples of how we act in love and behave with a clear conscience to others.
- Setting an example of financial integrity and honesty both in our personal capacity and in our church activities.
- Ensuring that church and legislative requirements are followed when dealing with church or our personal and business monies.
- Refraining from seeking personal advantage or unfair financial gain for ourselves, family and friends from our position or role.
- Maintain appropriate levels of professional knowledge and skill to ensure that people receive competent services and due care.
- Considering if there is a bias or conflict of interest or a perceived conflict of interest or undue influence of others if we are engaged in decision making.
- To respect the confidentiality of information acquired from church and business relationships and therefore not disclose that information without proper and specific authority.
What is clear in business ethics is that People should come before Profit – always. This means we should act with honesty and integrity in our business dealings, ensuring that we are not overcharging our customers, or underpaying our supplies or employees, or offering bribes to obtain unfair advantages. We should also accept responsibility to act in the public interest – not to exclusively satisfy the needs of people if their motives are not pure.
God’s Word, our consciences and prayer are vital when considering church or business dealings or transactions that may cause loss to other people and unfair gain to ourselves. We should always ask ourselves – what is our motive? If it is greed or selfishness and not being fair to our neighbours, then we need to change our motives to one of love, contentment and generosity.
Prepared by Mel Zerner.
Christian Money Management 