As a little boy my parents used to say, “Think before you act”. In essence, they were saying, if an individual does not consider the consequences of their actions, or the effects of those decisions, then the individual will cause themselves to become vulnerable to experiencing undesirable results.
As adults [or any other age for that matter] we tend to not fully consider the consequences [be it unintended or intended] of our actions prior to doing a thing or making a decision. I truly believe that most of us as individuals start out with the greatest of intentions when we are involved in making decisions that, in some way, affect individuals that are in our care as employers or supervisors or any other capacity.
Take for example, a saying that a lot of business executives and entrepreneurs use to cover-up or fluff-over the evil of their decisions, when made, affects individuals on every personal level. They utter these dreaded words, “It’s not personal, it’s only business”. I personally hate that. Of course it’s personal. When a father or mother goes home and say to their spouse and look into the eyes of their children that they’ve been terminated from work, you bet your bottom dollar that it’s personal. They are hurt and disappointed. Hope is removed from before them. They know that there are going to be rough time ahead. They know that some of the privileges that they had grown accustomed to will fade away in a snap. I thinks it’s a cowardice way of the one severing the relationship truly saying, “I don’t care how my decisions affects you. My business needs, my profit margin, my image or goals are more important that your welfare, or your family’s welfare”. Let me be clear, I am not saying that some executive decisions are not justified. Many [if not most] are justified. What I am talking about is how some employers of late, took advantage of the recent downturn in the economy as a justification to unnecessarily lay-off or fire some of their employees that were faithful servants of their firms, performing their jobs at optimum levels, just to increase the bottom line. At the root cause of their motivation to terminate the employment of these individuals was unashamed greed, on display for all to see.
Should these actions surprise me? No. Why? Because we were forewarned about these things. It is written that, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick [or wicked]; who can understand it?” [Jer. 17:9 ESV]
In essence we aught not be surprise that mankind looks out for themselves, first. We are all susceptible to being vulnerable to these types of behavior. It is only the sustaining grace of God that hold us back from ourselves; our true selves. Left alone, we all, would care less about our fellowman. Outside of Christ, we would be as the world is. It is Christ and His ever working power in us that causes us to want to emulate Him as is evident in our good works – displaying the fruits of the Spirit. God’s word declares that, “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
Let us make sure that we do not make decisions without first considering the consequences of our decisions as the tentacles [or results thereof] of our decisions are far reaching and may affect others in ways that we may not fully grasp.
Here is a guide to follow prior to making final decisions:
- Properly review the situation – Consider all of the variables
- Consider what is the best way to resolve the matter – Be reasonable
- Review your company policies to make sure you are in compliance
- Make a list of the pros and cons of the situation – Be logical
- Get a second opinion – There is safety in counsel [Wise, God fearing counsel]
- Review your motives – Ask yourself if you are glorifying God
- Then with a clear conscience, as before the face of God, carry out your actions
No decision, that affects affects others, is easy. May you find the courage to make good godly decision.
