A New SOP
Theme of the Week: "Everyone Does It"
Saturday, February 8, 2003
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Q. How can I buck an unethical practice that is standard in my trade?
A. Some temptations to sinful practices come with the territory.
An automobile dealer became a believer at a time when it was a widespread practice among dealerships to turn back odometers of cars taken as trade-ins. If a car's odometer showed 40,000 miles, for example, it might be turned back to only 30,000. As soon as this man became a Christian he realized that was an unethical practice and made a commitment to stop. He did this, of course, in full awareness that such a commitment would put him at a disadvantage to other dealers who were still turning back odometers.
An executive in a large company became convicted about "padding" his travel expense accounts. But, he told me, "the problem is, everyone in the company does it." He knew that he'd be under great pressure, because, if he turned in an honest expense report, his peers would look bad by comparison. But he committed himself to act honestly in that situation.
But doesn't being in a Christian organization shield you?
Anyone who does business will sooner or later face ethical temptations.
An air-travel agent has suggested to me ways in which I could evade certain ticketing regulations in order to avoid a higher ticket price. People are ready to help you compromise your integrity if you haven't already committed to be absolutely honest in your busines dealings.
Jerry Bridges is the author of The Pursuit of Holiness.
Adapted from The Discipline of Grace (NavPress, 1994)
Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.
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Righteous Father, give me the strength of character to live by Your code.
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