Faith Dilemmas for Marketplace Christians
To Tell the Truth
Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin.
—James 4:17
ONE thing church and corporate editors have in common is the dilemma of deciding how much “truth” to share with readers. Perhaps their best guide in such matters is Scripture, which presents an unvarnished story of candor. We read about a murdering Moses, an adulterous David, a tempted Christ, a denying Peter.
Another issue in the story that follows is that of obedience to authority. The biblical midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, disobeyed orders to kill male babies they delivered (Exod. 1:15-21). Then they lied to their Egyptian superiors—and God blessed them. Their story, while not a parallel to the one that follows, does suggest using our own faith and discretion in deciding such matters.
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Amanda’s work in the public relations department of a large firm involves writing and editing the company newsletter, which goes to all employees. She recently interviewed her chief executive officer for a message to staff. During the interview the boss told her, off the record, that there would have to be layoffs next quarter. But she wasn’t to mention it in her article for fear it would damage morale. Instead, he told Amanda to include this sentence: “We hope for steady employment, but our plans are indefinite.”
Amanda was downcast as she left his office. She was being told to tell a lie. What should she do? Go back and counsel the CEO to be truthful? Do as he said? Refuse? Look for another job?
She knew this dilemma was familiar to PR workers in business, government, and even the church. Complete candor didn’t always enhance or promote the image of the firm. She knew that company, church, and organizational leaders sometimes yield to temptation to shade the truth about themselves.
Yet she also felt employees had a right to more accurate information about their own future. Wouldn’t I want some warning of tough times ahead? she thought. What if I turned down a new job offer, then received a layoff notice a week later? What if I bought a new car or house and suddenly found myself unemployed when the first payment came due?
Amanda argued with herself on the way home from work.
* Technically the CEO isn’t lying. He’s not promising steady employment but merely saying, “We hope for steady employment.”
* Many PR people are seen as “spin doctors,” whose task is to present a positive image, not create unrest.
* It’s his company, not yours. Your job is to follow orders.
* Go back and argue with the CEO. Persuade him of the error of his ways. Long-term, the damage to morale and the CEO’s credibility will be far worse if he lies or gives the wrong impression. How can employees identify with such a shortsighted CEO?
Amanda decided to call an official of the International Association of Business Communicators, which has a code of conduct for PR personnel.
“Counsel the CEO to tell the truth,” the official said. “It’s your job to know what works and doesn’t in the profession. Honesty is the best policy because it works. Explain to the CEO that misleading statements will undermine company credibility, particularly at a time when keeping employee confidence is vital to long-range corporate goals. If that doesn’t sway him, then part ways with the company due to irreconcilable differences.”
Easy for you to say, Amanda thought. I can’t afford to lose this job.
Questions to ponder and discuss
1. Should Amanda hesitate to quote the CEO the way he wants? After all, it would be his lie, not hers. Is this any different from a journalist who quotes a politician’s campaign promises?
2. If you worked for this company, when would you want to hear about a potential layoff? Do employees have a right to expect forthright and timely information concerning actions that will affect their future?
3. The Bible records the “warts” of God’s people, including murder, adultery, deceit, and leaders’ quarrels. Should this be a model for Amanda to follow in her work? How about for editors of church periodicals?