Pure Ethics and Hard Reality
Scripture reading: Matthew 21:23-27. Text: “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work,
to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men.” Titus 3:1-2. Please concentrate on these words from our text: “TO BE READY FOR ANY HONEST WORK.”
As we are going to celebrate Labor Day, let us see the labor related issues from a higher viewpoint and from a different angle. The whole concept of labor is indirectly related to economy, finance, business ethics, as well as to society and family. The company and the laborers see the profit and the unemployment in a different way.
THE RIGHT QUESTION AND THE PROPER ANSWER COULD BE A GREAT HELP.
In our Scripture reading the chief priests and the elders wanted to catch Jesus with a sensitive question: “‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?'” 23rd verse. Jesus answered this question with another question: “‘I also will ask you a question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men?'” 24-25/a verses. The chief priests and the elders could not offer a satisfying reply. Please read the whole Scripture reading. For us the moral of the story this time should be that often the message is hidden in searching for the correct answer.
YOU SHOULD SAY WHO IS RIGHT AS WE SEARCH FOR THE CORRECT ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS.
The keyword on which our reply should hinge is HONESTY as it is mentioned in our text. People wish to live in an honest and decent world, but could we?
– Is it possible to live a decent life while we try to do our best to be honest? When you are surrounded with corruption and dishonest people what are our chances to be remain ethically pure?
– Is it possible to conduct successful business in an honest way? What is price fixing? Does our competitor force us to follow his business dealings?
– Is it possible to produce merchandise profitably when the workers and employees receive decent wages? In a company’s budget, the biggest item is the paychecks.
– Is it possible to maintain cooperation and high moral standards among worker without the threat of being laid off? Harmonious cooperation among the workers and staff members is almost half of the success for a great production.
– Is it possible for the administration to cover the unemployment benefits and the welfare checks when the employed people are dishonest when it comes to pay taxes?
– Will a company receive its workers’ talents, diligence and dedication when in their private and family life they do not follow a healthy and happy life style? Do you know how much “sick leave”-s cost for a company?
– Is it possible to defend our freedom and country without the courage and bravery – and often the utmost sacrifice – of our soldiers?
– Will only bigger pay checks and increased salaries solve all the labor problems for everyone? Once I was told, the young workers wish to have better income to pay off the mortgage on their house and the car; while the older ones ask for better fringe benefits such as vacation, pension and health care.
– How can the administration serve as an arbitrator when the workers vote for strike; and the company retaliates with outsourcing?
– How does the international export-import affect the American workers’ job security? Should legislation protect the American workers’ interest?
You are intelligent and hopefully could offer good answers. For us it is important how we would answer Jesus’ question He directed to Peter: “‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?'” And our answer would correspond with Peter’s: “‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.'” Please read the whole story John 21:15-19.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Ligonier.