Character, Integrity, Positions Taken and Sucking Up

I listen to people.  Lots of people.  Inside the churches, outside the churches, an many kinds of gatherings.

I have worked at many things to put food on the table, get my girls through college without debt, make lives more comfortable and be able to give to meet needs.

I observe.  I wonder.  I question.

Does "faith" care about character?  Do intentions count as integrity?  When someone takes a position on a theological point, who cares?  Can you get by in todays employment world without sucking up?  If you suck up, is it better to be seen to suck up, or to be sort of 'invisible' about it?

I listen to employers.  I watch employers.  Most employers say they want integrity and good character in their employees.  But as I watch employer behavior I sometimes see a different stance:  they want to be rubber-stamped, defended and agreed with.  Not all the time, maybe, but. . . sometimes.

I listen to young people seeking employment.  Few think character or integrity is important.  They have learned in school and in part-time jobs that sucking up succeeds and if you can make the employer more profit by edging over the ethical line without seeming to, you will probably get a promotion (or good grade).

So many people looking for jobs and so few employment possibilities available   How should people of faith advise these young folks as they begin what older people of faith have been at for some time?

What do you think?  Leave a comment and let us know.