Choosing Ethical Practices in Business and Life

Elder Lynn G. Robbins taught that there wasn't much that Satan could tempt Adam and Eve with because there was no competition. It wasn't until they had children who would want more than the other, or what the other had that he was able to tempt others. Elder Robbins pointed out that most temptations happen through others. I found that interesting and had to look back at my own life and examine when I had been tempted. He said that Satan often uses work, or employment to tempt people through weath or possesions. Elder Robbinson pointed out that working was always God's plan for us. I remember when my children were teens, their punishment was often yard work because I felt that if that was how Heavenly Father punished Adam and Eve, then it was probably the best punishment I could give them. But Elder Robbins pointed out that (rather than punishment as I had supposed), the Lord was testing us to see if we would be honest and work well with one another, or if we would become selfish and commit sin because of the competition, greed, and the love of money. He talked about the three ways to know if you are passing the Lord's test. They are: "1. Are you building His kingdom including strong and valiant families?" "2. Are you honest in your dealings with your fellowmen and using your God-given talents in their service?" (I really liked this one because I've had several jobs that did not use my talents, and I felt I wasn't being true to myself or to what God wanted me to do.) "3. Are you filling your life with good works that positively impact your community and world?" That last one was my favorite. I haven't always done work that I felt helped others. When I worked at an airline, I was required to offer the airline credit card to every customer. I didn't feel it was helping anyone because I don't believe in debt. But one day, I had a customer whose father was murdered in Jamaica. She was distraught and worried about her family. I told her about the credit card because it comes with expidited security and first on and off the plane, as well as more leg room. She would be able to get through security, get seated, put on her sun glasses and pretend she is sleeping while she really breaks down for a while, then get out fast. She thanked me saying that that was just what she needed. I learned that even selling credit cards can serve people in some cases. There are many things we can do to serve our felllowmen.

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