Recently, I was able to spend some time thinking about, how as a Christian, I frame my decision–making. What are the ethics which underpin my thinking? We make decisions all day long: minor and major ones, ones on ‘the hop’, and the more considered ones which need to be thought through.
Quite often our decision-making is guided by past experiences, the views of others, community expectations. While these are factors which guide and influence our decision-making, Christ has also given us a wonderful structure from which to base the decisions we make.
Based on the Sermon on the Mount (the Beatitudes) one could use the following to inform decisions which are made continually every day:
- Show mercy,
- Understand others’ stories,
- Be salt,
- Be a light,
- Don’t worry,
- Don’t judge,
- Love difficult people,
- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,
- Be wise,
- Pray,
- Seek God’s kingdom.
Coupled with this is the theology which underpins our schools and how we apply it to all our practices (such concepts as): grace, the recognition of the individual and their uniqueness in God’s eyes, forgiveness and the two kingdoms (we work in both the spiritual realm and the world as created by God).
We work and serve in Christian environments. I would encourage you to reflect on the influences that guide you in making the many decisions which you do in the span of a day. How much are you modelling Christ as these decisions are made and implemented?
Shane Paterson
Director of Leadership and School Improvement
shane.paterson@levnt.edu.au
