Improving Decisions and Choices by Values
In this current cultural climate, few people see any problem with situation ethics, until it backfires on them.
But, making choices and decision by feelings and convenience will never result in a truly successful lifestyle.
If we learn how to apply values to our decisions and choices, we will be happier in the long run.
Where I currently live, the big value is family.
Because this value isn't examined and modified by other values, it puts many people into difficulties.
What kind of difficulties? One of them is debt.
As important as family may be, financial management for your own family unit (spouse and children) is more important than loyalty to the extended family.
(gasp!!!) Your extended family is not going to pay off your credit cards when you are in a financial jam because of giving in to the family pressure to take unplanned trips, or buy steaks for barbeques every weekend, etc.
Sometimes we have to acknowledge that certain values we hold are detrimental to us.
In other words, we need to learn what is truly important, and how to prioritize our values when we are making decisions and choices.
We might discover that a value we have accepted has to be subjugated to a higher value.
Again, using the value of family (when applied to the extended family), our obligation to provide for our own family unit outranks loyalty to the extended family.
Then there's the matter of that new truck or toy.
Is it a priority? And, is it more important than food and clothes for your children, and caring for your spouse? I need a new computer.
Do you? Unless you have had a complete meltdown on your computer, is it really necessary to purchase a new one? Will it bust the budget for this month? Will it put you deeper in debt? Is it necessary, or is it just a want? I'm an honest person.
So, if you find money in the store, or on the street, is your first obligation to find the person it belongs to, or to see if anyone is looking? Do you excuse yourself for taking things from your employer because they make too much money, and they won't miss this? How honest are you when no one is looking? Are you honest with your spouse? Are you honest with your employer when you call in sick so you can go to the beach? What I am doing isn't hurting anyone.
But, if it isn't honest, truthful, faithful, reliable, just, respectful, caring, kind, patient, responsible to my family and spouse, etc.
, then I am hurting myself...
because I have no integrity.
But, making choices and decision by feelings and convenience will never result in a truly successful lifestyle.
If we learn how to apply values to our decisions and choices, we will be happier in the long run.
Where I currently live, the big value is family.
Because this value isn't examined and modified by other values, it puts many people into difficulties.
What kind of difficulties? One of them is debt.
As important as family may be, financial management for your own family unit (spouse and children) is more important than loyalty to the extended family.
(gasp!!!) Your extended family is not going to pay off your credit cards when you are in a financial jam because of giving in to the family pressure to take unplanned trips, or buy steaks for barbeques every weekend, etc.
Sometimes we have to acknowledge that certain values we hold are detrimental to us.
In other words, we need to learn what is truly important, and how to prioritize our values when we are making decisions and choices.
We might discover that a value we have accepted has to be subjugated to a higher value.
Again, using the value of family (when applied to the extended family), our obligation to provide for our own family unit outranks loyalty to the extended family.
Then there's the matter of that new truck or toy.
Is it a priority? And, is it more important than food and clothes for your children, and caring for your spouse? I need a new computer.
Do you? Unless you have had a complete meltdown on your computer, is it really necessary to purchase a new one? Will it bust the budget for this month? Will it put you deeper in debt? Is it necessary, or is it just a want? I'm an honest person.
So, if you find money in the store, or on the street, is your first obligation to find the person it belongs to, or to see if anyone is looking? Do you excuse yourself for taking things from your employer because they make too much money, and they won't miss this? How honest are you when no one is looking? Are you honest with your spouse? Are you honest with your employer when you call in sick so you can go to the beach? What I am doing isn't hurting anyone.
But, if it isn't honest, truthful, faithful, reliable, just, respectful, caring, kind, patient, responsible to my family and spouse, etc.
, then I am hurting myself...
because I have no integrity.
Source...