Do You Have Situational Ethics?

Photo by Sabra Marie Photography

In one of my recent articles, I talked about the importance of developing and strengthening our core.  I was referencing our physical, mental, and spiritual situations, but there is another aspect we can discuss. Our ethics. Just like being true to our core, we must also be true to our ethics and standards and not be persuaded by general opinion or what is popular at a given moment. We must be diligent and refuse to be distracted. In the bible the book of Timothy reminds us to stay true to what is right for the sake of those who hear what we say. Making sure we are not given to situational ethics is important if we want to be known as men and women of integrity and can be trusted for our word.

Most of us like to believe we are people of principle. We say we stand for truth, integrity, justice, or kindness. When someone asks us about our values, we are quick to affirm them, but we must ask ourselves are our words and actions in alignment? This is most vulnerable and noticeable when it comes to what we talk about, what we put on social media, and for what we hold others accountable. Remember the real test of character is not when everything is easy and going our way. The true test comes when our values are challenged, and we are faced with a choice that costs us something that we hold near and dear such as money, reputation, convenience, relationships, or even comfort. Are we tempted in these situations to have situational ethics?

Situational ethics is the practice of adjusting our moral compass depending on the circumstances. It means that instead of standing on what we believe to be right, we make decisions based on what feels good, what benefits us, or what keeps the peace in the moment. It is when what we say we believe gets tested by what we do especially when there is a cost attached. Sometimes we are challenged by omission when we stay quiet about a situation that we should have spoken up or took a stand.  We may try to convince ourselves we did nothing wrong, but silence can also be situational. One thing I have learned is we have to be careful of our habits because most of us fall into doing what comes to us so conveniently. Our habits should be in alignment with who we say we are and what we believe in.

Over the years, especially the more I live my life openly through what I write and talk about, I have witnessed that sometimes I am under a microscope and people pay attention to my actions being consistent with what I have talked about. Remember, the old cliché that if we do not stand for something we will fall for anything and then why would anyone want to follow you or listen to anything you want to say to them. Even when it is not convenient or comfortable we must be willing to do what we say and say what we do. Our values are not meant to change with the seasons, but rather what holds us strong in any situation. Our ethics and values are meant to be anchors. Now, what I would also like to comment on is that as we grow, learn, and mature, sometimes we may come to realize that our values may need a little adjusting. We would do better if we knew better.  There are many people who feel they are right about certain things until they have learned and been exposed to the errors of their ways.  If you are ever confronted with this situation and you learn your truth is flawed, then it is understandable when you make adjustments.

During my career as an entrepreneur, I remember a moment when I was faced with a tough decision. I had a famous public person present me with an opportunity where I could make a lot of money, but I did not like what he stood for and how I heard he treated people, especially women. Although it was an attractive offer and could have been tempting, I had to be honest with myself and let it go. I had to trust that God had something better for me coming down the road and even if He did not, I had to let it pass. I chose my convictions, and I have never regretted the choice I made whether I was in good or bad times. Our ethics should never be situational even when it is not convenient. #ethics #values #coachwendy #thepurposepartner

Wendy is The Purpose Partner, Life Strategist, Coach, Consultant, Author, and Speaker.

Healing Without Hate: It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on. Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more.