Video Transcript

An Ethics Resource Center study revealed that 13% of people in the workplace felt they were being coerced to do something immoral. So how would God desire you to handle a situation where a boss is asking you to do something immoral?

Many people are so fearful of losing their job that they are unwilling to do what is right when they are being pressured by a boss. This is a lack of faith in God and His ability to assure that you have a job when necessary.

A friend of mine called me once and asked for advice. His employer was asking him to doctor their books for the bank. When I told him he needed to say no and resign if necessary. He told me, “I was out of work a long time before landing this job. I can’t do that because I may not find a job quick enough.”

It took him several weeks to muster the courage to do the right thing which led to his resignation, but the day after he resigned he received a call from another business. The business owner told my friend, “I knew you wouldn’t last in that place long due to the way they do business. I’ve been holding a job for you until you finally had the courage to resign.”

If you are asked to do something immoral, stand firm and say no. Remember, however, that God desires your boss to also walk with integrity. If possible, share the reasons why you can’t agree and plead with your boss to reconsider their position as well. One line I heard many years ago that I really respected is, “I won’t lie or cheat you, therefore I also won’t lie or cheat for you either.”

Many leaders will actually respect you for standing firm, although they may fear what you now know about them. There may be occasions when you need to prayerfully consider taking the issue to your boss’ superior, but I would try and forewarn them when possible so that they have every chance to repent.

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