I have worked in health care,

Or more correctly, disease care, all my working life.

There are some important ethical matters -

Consent, openness, confidentiality,

Claims that are balanced, supportable and not inflated,

Industry codes of practice, respect for life,

Research standards, and it goes on.

Every profession and business has its own set.

Integrity seems very obvious at first sight,

But why is it a challenge sometimes?

Profit seems to make us cut corners.

I guess it comes down to our fundamental flaw.

Homo sapiens is a very selfish animal,

With a sinful streak. [1]

That's an old fashioned word to many people, Lord,

But that's why you came,

To bring us back to yourself, [2,3]

To replace egocentricity with your love.

Then integrity and ethics become byproducts.

Lord, I ask you to help me make integrity and ethics

a core business quality.

May this be an expression of my faith,

and in so doing contribute to business success.

1.. Romans 3 v 23. 2.. John 12 v 46. 3.. John 3 v 16. Copyright Howard Smith 2002. All Rights reserved. For comments or responses, please contact