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What comes to mind when one thinks of ethics? Most people will say that ethics is a system of moral values. Ethics can be instilled or taught by one’s parents. Ethics is a topic that is considered to be complicated and not easily defined. Per the dictionary, ethics is defined as a system of moral principles; the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc; moral principles, as of an individual. Some may say that your ethical system may change as one grow older and come into contact with different people of various cultures.
My parents have always taught me that having a strong ethical foundation will shape who am and who I will be. It was their goal to instill in all oftener children great morals and values. I’m sure that their parents had the same goal as well. With this being said, one’s ethical foundation will guide a person in the right direction throughout their life, being the moral compass between right and wrong. It is essential to possess this trait so that one’s decisions are guided in the right direction when one is faced with challenging moral issues. My parents based their ethical system on religious beliefs.
My parents always taught me to use the Bible as a strong moral guide in my day to day life. I really appreciate the values and morals that my parents instilled in me for it made me who am. Many people from all walks of life compliment my character as an adult. The underlying ethical system that I live my life by is treating others the way that you would like to be treated which is taught by my religious beliefs over and over again. Christianity is the source factor for my ethical system. Christianity has teachings along with examples to explain its ethical viewpoint. The primary principle of Christianity is the Ten Commandments.
According to Religious Ethical Beliefs, “The 10 Commandments are Divine Command ethics. In other words they derive from laws set down by God. They are also meant to be objective and universal. Ethics from Jesus’ teachings are similar to the 10 Commandments in that they teach obedience to God but they also stress virtues as well as the famous ethical principle known as the Golden Rule” (Fairchild, 2011 Having two sons myself, ages two and 6, I want to pass on my ethical values to them as well. Ethics, morals, and values are something that is taught. The church that I currently attend sets a great example of how to live by the bible.
Most of the people that are members of my church lead by example. You can see them in the community and church with no difference in character. It is evident that they do believe in the Ten Commandments and its principles. It is very important for me to see that an individual’s words mirror his or her actions. It is also essential for me to see that others with the same ethical system leading not only in my church but in the community around us. Knowing all of this helps me develop more in my ethical system. It allows me o grow as a person and focus on areas that need some assistance in.
All of this said, the one person that has had the absolute greatest impact on my ethics is my little brother, Philip. Philip passed away in July of 2003 and before he passed he, the younger brother, taught me how to follow the words of the Lord with out even knowing what he was doing. The one story I would like to share about him takes place in his bedroom about a year before he passed away. Was home visiting from my first journey to college. I walked into his room and noticed a sign on the door that said, “l AM JESUS. ” At first I gauged at him and asked why? Why would you right this and put it on the door?
It is his response that has stuck with me through the years and I will carry it with me for the rest of my life. He said, ‘Well, yes, yes, I AM JESUS. You see brow if we believe in the Lord and he is truly leading us on our journey we must BE JESUS. ” At the time scoffed and told him he was silly, blowing him off.