After Viewing This Week's Materials, You Will Note That Ther

After viewing this week's materials, you will note that there is a His

After viewing this week's materials, you will note that there is a history in the development of ethical codes and that they have a place today in the professional/paraprofessional environment. In fact, it is within these environments where ethics are needed (e.g., ethical codes) and for many organizations, ethics are part of organizational policy. For Christians, ethics can be seen as inherent to our Christian walk. As I have heard from other ethics professors, Christians are even held to a higher standard, and one Scripture that is often referenced is Colossians 3:23 – “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (New Living Translation)

As part of this week's discussion question, discuss whether Christians should live/work in a higher ethical manner and share why. How could this higher ethical manner impact the organization where the Christian works? Give specific examples. What scriptures would you use to support this position? Share how these verses relate to your position.

Paper For Above instruction

The question of whether Christians should live and work according to higher ethical standards is both relevant and vital in the context of professional conduct and organizational integrity. Christianity emphasizes adherence to divine principles of righteousness and integrity, which naturally extend into one's ethical behavior in the workplace. The biblical foundation for higher ethical standards can be traced to scriptures that advocate for sincerity, honesty, and humility in our actions, notably Colossians 3:23, which encourages believers to work as if for the Lord, implying a standard of excellence and integrity beyond mere secular expectations.

Living ethically according to Christian principles fosters a culture of trust, respect, and accountability within organizations. This elevated standard influences not only personal character but also the organizational environment. For example, a Christian employee who upholds honesty and transparency helps promote ethical practices across the organization, reducing incidents of dishonesty or misconduct. Such conduct encourages colleagues to emulate these values, leading to an overall positive organizational climate.

Furthermore, the application of biblical principles can directly impact organizational reputation and stakeholder trust. For instance, a manager demonstrating fairness, compassion, and integrity can inspire similar behaviors in their team, ultimately resulting in increased employee morale and customer satisfaction. An example is a healthcare professional adhering strictly to ethical guidelines relating to patient confidentiality and informed consent, reflecting Christian teachings on respect and compassion. This not only aligns with ethical codes but demonstrates living out one's faith through upright conduct.

Other scriptures support the idea of higher ethical living in the workplace. Proverbs 11:3 states, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity,” emphasizing that integrity is fundamental to ethical decision-making. Similarly, Matthew 5:16 advocates that believers’ good deeds should “shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,” encouraging Christians to act ethically as a reflection of their faith. These verses collectively reinforce the belief that Christians are called to exemplify a higher standard of moral behavior, positively influencing both their personal life and professional environment.

In summary, Christians are indeed called to uphold higher ethical standards not out of a sense of superiority but as an expression of their faith and commitment to living according to God's principles. This higher standard impacts organizations by fostering a culture of integrity, respect, and accountability. Acting ethically in the workplace not only honors God but also sets a positive example for others, enhancing the organization's reputation and effectiveness. Biblical scriptures serve as guiding principles that reinforce this call to moral excellence, demonstrating that ethical living is integral to genuine Christian discipleship.

References

• Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (n.d.).
• Ciulla, J. B. (2004). Ethics and ethical reasoning in business. In Business ethics: A theoretical and practical application (pp. 15-35). McGraw-Hill.
• Frankena, W. K. (1973). Ethics. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
• Kidder, R. M. (2005). Moral courage: Taking action when your values are being tested. HarperOne.
• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed.). Sage Publications.
• Proverbs 11:3, Holy Bible, New Living Translation.
• Matthew 5:16, Holy Bible, New Living Translation.
• Colossians 3:23, Holy Bible, New Living Translation.
• Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2016). Business ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of global corporate social responsibility. Oxford University Press.
• Schwartz, M. S. (2004). The power of ethical management. Harvard Business Review, 82(7), 65-74.