A two-week
old morning article entitled "International Cycling Union strips Lance
Armstrong of 7 Tour de France titles" (Link: http://t.co/f8MB9g4J) caught
my attention. I have been absorbing a few glimpses of this story, and
those of us who are familiar with it understand this:
Following
the claims of doping by fellow/former teammates and more vehemently the U.S.
Anti-Doping Agency (USADA),
Lance Armstrong filed a suit against the former determined to fight to salvage
his brand (his name), reputation and along with all the titles and medals he
obtained throughout. Then the- need I say- inevitable happened. Lance Armstrong
announced he would stop fighting the claims; and the USADA (amongst other
accusatory parties) declared this action as an indirect admission of doping. Without
due process of the law, and a declaration of “overwhelming evidence” (yet to be
released to the public) USADA has taken the drastic step mentioned in the opening
line and now- like the Marion Jones and Tiger Woods of 2012- Lance Armstrong is
reaping the harvest of a media-cultivated and watered scandal; and a brand
devoid of sponsors. If you asked me, this scenario completely contradicts the American
oft-boasted about legal phrase “Innocent until proven guilty” and violates the
Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution Bill of Rights (Due Process):
“No person shall
be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a
presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land
or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or
public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the
same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a
witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law;
nor shall private property be taken for public use, without
just compensation. (Bill of Rights, 2011)”
This
represents a classical example of the hypocrisies of the complex system- in such
instance the judicial- governing the affairs of the people and society over
which it is meant to direct. But how does this affect us Christians, especially
if we are supposed to be a product of a different legislation? Well, besides
the fact that we co-exist with our brothers under a common system of natural
law and our living is affected by its components, we are commonly called to a
faith-based defense against the logistics of the physical laws and claims of
alleged plaintiffs.
As
we are strategically placed in influential positions within the differing
spheres[1] of
leadership, to impact change and we are obligated to abide by laws and
regulations already implemented and enforced, especially if we are to gradually
climb the ladder to such position that permits our input in the guidelines
shaping the operation and employee relationships with respects to the internal
and external environment. But our God is so good, that He leaves no area
untouched as each sphere is complimentary and in some ways, hierarchical- all leading
back to the ultimate law- His Word especially as He understands law of higher
authority overrides that of lower authority. In the meantime, we must abide by
the laws of the land.
So,
what happens or what do you do when these laws contradict your beliefs and
God’s law? I have gathered a few solutions to managing these trials as they
arise. (Please feel free to leave your own opinions or additions in the comment
box below)
a. NEVER compromise God’s Law in favor
of the world’s law- if analyzed closely, this falls in line with the first
Commandment of the Word. Some work environment rules seem to be disguised or
rather- those for whom the law was made- there is a deliberate “misinterpretation”
of the specified rule(s) for undefined reasons. Some of these reasons may be to
obtain/maintain favorability with colleagues and employers or avoid risk of being
fired. But Christians must remember (their) true identity does not lie in the
favor of man but it always spurs from the finding favor with God first. Remember
2 Tim. 3:12: “Yes,
and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer
persecution.” As far as
democracy goes, you have a right to say “no” when the time proves right.
b. Obey His Law- this directly co-relates
to the aforesaid point.
c. Acquire wisdom- Without intention to
turn any Christian into the rebellious type; one must seek wisdom in knowing
how to handle “tight” situations as they arise. For instance, your employer requests
that you set up a Facebook account under your name and add Jane, a colleague to
your friends’ lists. Your employment contract specifies that no employee is to
participate in any form of defamation of any other colleague or superior, and your
employer has suspicions about Jane and needs these suspicions clarified. Even
worse, Jane is your best friend. What do you do? Well first, examine what the
word says about gossiping and back-biting in (Romans 1:28-32), which is what
such event could lead to, because your employer may begin to confide in you about
his thoughts towards Jane and asks your honest opinion about her.
There are many options in opposing the “offer” like: turning it down; speaking to your employer about the detriments of his actions on abolishing relationships with his employees; or highlighting the inconsistency of such act with your job description as defined in the employment contract or with the code of integrity adopted by the organization. If he threatens your job, then you can take it to higher, relevant authority that can deal with the matter accordingly.
There are many options in opposing the “offer” like: turning it down; speaking to your employer about the detriments of his actions on abolishing relationships with his employees; or highlighting the inconsistency of such act with your job description as defined in the employment contract or with the code of integrity adopted by the organization. If he threatens your job, then you can take it to higher, relevant authority that can deal with the matter accordingly.
d. Respect Authority- in spite of the “severity”
of the offense you have committed or were persuaded to commit; NEVER be
disrespectful towards authority for its actions or even, attitudes or character.
Follow the biblical principles all times (Exodus 22:28).
e. Walk in love- Yes, people may lie on
you, hurt you or even fire you for standing up for your beliefs- it is still no
excuse to hate them or wish revenge upon another’s life. This also has to do
forgiveness (check out my previous blog on these guidelines). Not even Jesus
hated those who drove the nails through His hands and feet, beat, spat on and
lied about him. He loved them all as if they were without fault. Why can’t you
do the same for one who has committed a lesser offense? Remember, even you have
insulted someone by your actions and would therefore require forgiveness and
love. They best “revenge” you can get is to love your offender and release
him/her. Prayer can help you achieve love. If you’re unclear as to love’s
definition, refer to the ever popular 1 Corinthians 13.
SMALL NOTE TO THE READER
In practice, certain tests are not
passed 100% on first occurrence- I speak from experience- but consistent prayer
and commitment to living godly should change the heart’s condition and thus our
actions/ reactions towards situations around us. Even before this, repentance
for erroneous actions should be a priority- admit to God your mistakes, ask for
forgiveness and instruction on how to handle such situation when it occurs (however
disguised) the next time around.
~Everything that you do, do it as if
it were onto God~
References
Bill of Rights.
(2011, October 11). Retrieved October 22, 2012, from
http://www.constitution.org/billofr_.htm
[1] Namely political; social care;
arts and entertainment; media; organizational; judicial; family; military;
educational; thought; spiritual and entrepreneurial as per Bishop Andre Thomas,
brainchild behind the 12leadersmovement.comwebpage
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