April 6. Have You Ever Hunted For Morals Or Morels? Both Are Worthy!

It is almost a given that when a subject comes up, you really have two thoughts to explore; gross or net, sales or profits, advertising, or sales, hire or fire, and talent or skill. What about moral character or.....wait, hold that thought. I am not sure that I have heard moral character compared to anything.

 Maybe that is a stand-alone issue to address and to reflect on. Maybe our moral character is only to be compared with a lack of moral character. In our businesses, we want all our relationships to be relationships strong in moral character. We want equitable trade, reasonable profits, and value for all parties in our exchanges.

In fact, when there is a breakdown in our organizations, it could be because there was a breakdown in the moral character. We would like to think that it is a temporary breakdown and not a systemic breakdown. But systemic breakdown can be a dangerous cavern in our organization.

For example, how do you have clarity when it comes to the moral character of a potential new employee? Do we take the time to really get to know candidates at this level? What about our customers, do we know their moral character? I like the idea of pairs and it is at the top of my mind today.

Pairs is how we started this thought today. What are two important components of moral character that you value in your organization? These moral characteristics are limits for our team. Does your team know that you value these two components?

It might grow your organization to have your team reflect on those two components more than they do now. What is the first thing you can do to begin shaping it so that it happens?

Be strong and courageous. I would wager that you have heard that before.

It is a phrase throughout the Bible. It has been in songs throughout culture during my life. These are words that reflect values of moral character. They reflect values that relate to the convictions in our lives. Moses instructed Joshua to be strong and courageous going forward into the new territory.

Joshua was going to need his moral character because he was going to be challenged. The people were going to fall away from God. Moses knew it and he shared that with Joshua, so Joshua knew it. Moses affirmed the need for Joshua to be prepared, to always be strong and courageous.

That is a challenge that speaks to me today as well. How about you? I can say that there are times in my week where I feel anything but strong and courageous. We can remember though that many have sacrificed before us. Others have paid a significant price, some on a cross, others suffered persecution during life and then an ugly death.

Where might we start living a stronger and more courageous life? I am sure that we can all find a place that will build the kingdom by living with a stronger and more courageous character. Being stronger does not mean bullying or pushing others around.

Sometimes being stronger means to be vulnerable or approachable. What is the first thing you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, you need no strength or courage, and we are thankful for that. You have created us in your image, but we live on an earth which challenges us. We face challenges and sometimes are weak.

We fail to resist and sometimes submit when it does not glorify your name. Help us this week to be strong and courageous regardless of whether we are addressing a weak spot in our character or adding strength to a strong hold.

Guide us we pray, embolden us to grow in your love and shape us into your people. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,