比規定做的更好

你是否選擇字面上的意義來遵守，只做到最低限度? 或者你會更廣義的思考規定的精神，做比字面上的意義超過更多呢?

多年來我為許多商業和專業的領袖們做顧問，幫他們明白如何在每天的職場上應用聖經的原則。當我開始這樣做的時候，為了要實踐自己所教導的，我很誠實的自我評量，包括去檢視過去我忽視或是沒有恰當解決的生命問題。老實說，這樣做令人很不舒服。但是為了作為顧問所要具備的誠信，這樣做是必要的。

對之前我公司所欠的一小筆債，我開始感到有罪惡感。雖然那是屬於公司的責任，法律上我個人沒有任何責任，但是神很明確地告訴我說，祂要我所有生意上的往來都無可指責。

最後，我把之前公司所欠的款項都還清了，那些債主們都非常地驚訝。他們打電話來謝謝我，還說債務還清之後，他們還捐款給當地的教會。

這家公司早已經不存在了，法律上它是公司債，我的確可以忽視那些債務，而且我個人的財務也跟它沒有關聯，這就是所謂依照法律字面上的解釋。但是身為耶穌基督的跟隨者，我已承諾要誠實地生活和工作，所以我不能用那些藉口。因為我知道神的律法說的完全不同。

如果我自己不願意去遵守神的標準，我有什麼資格去建議那些商場和職場上的領袖呢？

在聖經以弗所書裡5章3節教導我們：「至於淫亂並一切污穢，或是貪婪，在你們中間連提都不可，方合聖徒的體統。」神在聖經理告訴我們的標準，遠比法律高的多。如果我們要成為祂誠信的使者，我們就必須按照祂的標準生活。

我的重點不是在讓大家充滿罪惡感。但如果你心中覺得神提醒你要改正一些事情或是要你做某些事，即便那是超過法律要求的，我勸你要順服神的意思。你決不會後悔的！

Do you comply only to the minimum extent required, choosing to abide strictly to the “letter of the law,” or would you consider the sometimes broader “spirit of the law” – the underlying and sometimes more demanding intent behind it?

For years I have consulted with business and professional leaders, helping them to grasp and understand biblical principles that apply to the everyday marketplace. When I began doing this, it became evident that to avoid the danger of not practicing what I was teaching, I had to do an honest “self-appraisal.” This included examining my life for any past issues that I ignored or had not properly resolved. To be honest, doing this can be humbling and uncomfortable, but I felt it was necessary and important for my integrity as a consultant.

I became convicted about a small, unpaid corporate debt from a previous business I had owned.

Although the financial obligation was corporate, and legally I had no personal responsibility, God made it clear that He wanted all of my business dealings to be beyond reproach.

As a result, I tracked down the business that was still owed money by my former company and sent them a check for the proper amount. The owners were more than surprised – they were amazed. They called not only to thank me but also to tell me that since the debt had been written off and removed from their financial records, they donated the payment to a local church.

Without question, I could have overlooked the unpaid debt. It was a legally constructed corporate entity – a business that no longer existed – that technically owed the money. Since my personal finances were not involved in any way, legally I had no responsibility. That was what the letter of the law would have said. However, as a follower of Jesus Christ, committed to living and working with integrity, I could not use that excuse. The spirit of the law, I knew, would have said differently.

How could I speak with and advise leaders in the workplace about honesty and integrity if I were not willing to hold myself to the same standards?

In the Bible”s New Testament, Ephesians 5:3 teaches, “But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” God”s standards – as He reveals in the Scriptures – often exceed the law, but if we are to be effective and credible as His ambassadors, it is essential for us to live accordingly.

My purpose is not to put anyone under a guilt trip. However, if God brings to your mind something you have done that should be corrected – or something you need to do – I urge you to follow through on that as soon as possible. Even if it means going beyond what the law requires. You will not regret it.

Copyright 2013, Integrity Resource Center, Inc. Adapted with permission from "Integrity Moments with Rick Boxx," a commentary on issues of integrity in the workplace from a Christian perspective. To learn more about Integrity Resource Center or to sign up for Rick”s daily Integrity Moments, visit www.integrityresource.org. His book, How to Prosper in Business Without Sacrificing Integrity, gives a biblical approach for doing business with integrity.