Devotional for 2/28/16
In the business world what is legally allowed and what is ethical or right is not always congruent. Ethics can differ between various people or groups. Laws can vary by state or county, etc. Sometimes we legislate ethics, but not always. Some of our laws seem to be based on the 10 commandments, but even those laws may have different definitions than the Bible. The commandment "Thou shalt not murder" is also a law in our country, until it comes to the unborn, because some people don't define that as murder. But for those who find abortion on demand unethical, it is still not illegal. So just because something is legal, doesn't mean it is ethical. "Thou shalt not steal" on the surface may seem more universally accepted and legislated. But what about taking supplies home from the office? Legally that is stealing, but some people feel it is totally acceptable because they deserve it or the company can afford it. Or even more obscure, what about spending company time doing something personal, like checking e-mail or posting on social media? Some people see nothing wrong with this, but others would consider it stealing the company's time and money, because the employee is being paid to work for that time when they were not doing their job. Ethics and laws do not always agree.
So whom do we obey? In Romans 13 we are told we should be subject to the governing authorities, because all of them were established by God.
Romans 13:1-2 (NIV) Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Yet if the laws violate God's commands, our ethics, then we are to respectfully refuse to obey those laws. Applying this to our lives may prove to be difficult, but the overriding principle is that if our faith is in jeopardy then we must obey God and not man. Just because something is legal, does not mean it is right to do in God's eyes. We must turn to God in prayer to help guide our actions, and for forgiveness where we may have made the wrong compromises.
1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV) "I have the right to do anything," you say - but not everything is beneficial...
Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Mark 8:36 (NIV) What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
Dear God, all power and authority are yours. Help us to know when we are to follow man's laws, and when we are to respectfully decline to follow them when they violate your commands. Give us the courage to stand up for our faith and what is right when it is necessary. Forgive us where we have compromised our faith. Thank you for loving us through it all. In Jesus' name, Amen.
written by Jan Andersen
No comments:
Post a Comment