One institution of higher learning has an impressive code of conduct. It expects faculty, staff, and students to always act with integrity, to respect others, preserve resources, follow local laws, avoid conflicts of interest, and promote health and safety in the workplace. Institutions establish codes of conduct not only for their own reputation, but also because they believe people can reach their individual goals if they avoid activities that distract them. Biblical standards of conduct revealed in the Ten Commandments and all through Scripture are not arbitrary. God alerts us to behavior that can destroy us either as individuals or as a community. God is looking out for our well-being. In Leviticus Ch 19, Moses stresses that people must not hurt or take advantage of the poor, blind, deaf, widows, orphans, or foreigners. The rich must not cheat laborers. Moses explains that justice and fairness should be their standard because God had said, “I the LORD your God, am holy.” Today, God is still holy and wants us to be loving and fair in all our interactions with people. Thankfully, as we live in submission to Him, His Holy Spirit gives us the power to do just that.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
