Course 1 - Lesson 7: Character and Ethics

What exactly does it mean as a Christian to have ethics? Ethics deals with what is morally right and wrong. Ethics could be defined as morals, morality, values, rights and wrongs, principles, ideals, standards (of behavior), a value system, virtues, or dictates of conscience. Christian ethics are based on the Word of God and are absolute. God commands us to take on His moral attributes when we become Christians. “Be holy, because I am holy”, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” We as Christians are commanded to be as He is. If ethics have no absolutes by which we can be guided, then they become definable by each individual’s interpretation rather than God’s definition of right and wrong. Without a moral compass, every man will do that which is right in their own eyes. Without a biblical standard, we will adapt our cultural standard of values.

You decide the type of person you will be. God gave to every person a free will to determine what kind of life they will live. Will we follow the scriptures and live godly, or follow the world around us and live sinfully? We have all seen the fall of who some called great. They said the right things. They looked the part. But soon, what was on the inside, surfaced and exposed what they really were. You can be someone else for a while, but YOU will eventually surface. People, especially leaders, cannot rise above the limitations of their character. Talent and ability may promote you; your character will sustain you.

There is a difference between Ethics and Character. Ethics, a set of moral standards, determines the right thing. Character is an act of doing those right things. A commitment to a set of ethics without compromise.

Self-imposed discipline and conviction to do what biblical values have already determined as right. Whether you know it or not, you have character, and it is either good or bad. There is no in-between with character.

If you change your actions based on where you are or who you are around, you have no character. A Christian is called upon to do the right thing no matter the circumstance. The idea that “everyone sins sometimes” is a lie from hell. That is simply a justification for not having character. Our values come from the unchanging scriptures. Our example to follow is Jesus Christ!

John 8:29 KJV …. for I do always those things that please him.