Being Ethical Can Be Profitable
Our Mission
"To reach, empower and deploy generations of men in the workplace to live out their faith and multiply their impact for Christ.
Acts 20:21, 24, 32 (NIV): “I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. … Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
Paul gives every man of God a clear pattern to follow—message, mission, and method. If you want your life to count for eternity, you must own these three with unshakable resolve.
The Message: Repentance and Faith
Paul’s message is not complicated: “They must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.” Every man—regardless of background, status, or strength—must admit his sin, turn from self-rule, and trust Jesus alone for forgiveness. There is no second path, no back door to heaven. Repentance and faith are the only road to reconciliation with God.
The Mission: Testify to God’s Grace
Paul declared, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.” Men, this is our assignment too. Your career, your comfort, even your reputation cannot be your highest goal. Your mission is to make Jesus known—starting with your family, extending to your workplace and neighborhood, and for some, reaching the nations. If you are not pointing people to Jesus, you are living beneath your calling.
The Method: God’s Word and Costly Love
Paul entrusted believers to “the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance.” Our method is obedience to Scripture and sacrificial love. We serve and speak even when it costs us—because people love darkness more than light. We suffer rejection, but we rejoice when one sinner turns to Christ.
Brothers, this is the race set before you:
- Proclaim Jesus boldly. Don’t hide behind busyness or fear.
- Live holy. Your obedience gives credibility to your message.
- Love unconditionally. Show Christ’s grace even when it’s mocked.
Paul’s message was Jesus, his mission was God’s glory, and his method was unwavering obedience. Let’s finish our race the same way—so that those around us see the gospel, hear the truth, and join us in the inheritance Christ has secured.
Your move: Where will you declare God’s grace today—first in your home, then in your world?
Our Opportunities
- Join CBMC men for prayer and Bible study every Friday from 8-9 am at Panera Frandor.
- Do you enjoy these weekly devotionals? You can listen to them daily on your favorite podcast player. The know God coach huddle is a 2-3 minute review of God’s word for application in your life. Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts.
CBMC Central Michigan 4407 W. St. Joe Hwy. Lansing 48917 / 517 481 5996 www.lansing.cbmc.com
MONDAY MANNA
A service to the business community
A Publication of CBMC International
September 22, 2025
Being Ethical Can Be Profitable
By Edgar Medina D.
“There’s no such thing as business ethics,” says renowned author John Maxwell. “There’s only ethics.” That is true – ethics cannot be limited to just one area of life. Unfortunately, it is a subject almost forgotten by institutions and organizations in many parts of the world – especially in an increasingly competitive world that is focused on immediate results. Under such pressure, acting with integrity can seem like a disadvantage. But in reality, it’s the opposite: ethics builds trust, and trust is the foundation of every solid and lasting relationship.
In the business world, trust is not built overnight; it is earned over time through consistent decisions, kept promises, and behavior grounded in firm principles. A customer, supplier, or colleague who sees integrity in our actions is much more likely to build long-term relationships, recommend us, and partner with us on future projects. Ethics is not only a moral value but also a strategic one.
This is why, although acting ethically is not always the easiest path, it is certainly the most profitable in the long run. Let’s look at some biblical wisdom:
- Avoid shortcuts. There is no shorter distance between two points than a straight line; and no longer distance than a “shortcut.” “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12).
- Examine your true intentions. Human nature often leads us to self-deception; we justify ourselves and lie to ourselves. We must be willing to be held accountable and allow others to speak into our lives. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
- Acknowledge your ethical failures. No one is perfect. Eventually, we all fall. The real merit lies not in never falling, but in getting up, taking responsibility, and apologizing when needed. “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes” (Proverbs 24:16).
- Pay attention to warning signs. Lack of integrity never just appears overnight. The real failure is ignoring the signs that threaten our character. “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3).
- Don’t play with fire – you will get burned. “Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?” (Proverbs 6:27-28).
- Seek counsel when making ethical decisions. Lean on people of integrity. “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” (Proverbs 11:14).
- Be willing to pay the price. Ethics is a strength built from small, consistent choices to do what is right. “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor” (Proverbs 21:21).
Our ethics are revealed through integrity – being the same person in all settings; doing what is right even if no one else is doing it; and refusing to do what is wrong even if everyone else is doing it. For today’s businesses and business leaders, the most profitable alternative is to become the kind of partner they would want to do business with. The path is called: Ethics.
Edgar Medina D. is the director of CBMC Mexico. He is an editor and writer. He has worked with hundreds of companies as a trainer and describes himself as someone who was born to communicate life. He is a member of the Executive Committee of CBMC Latin America and the Global Leadership Team of CBMC International. He was a disciple of Dr. Enrique Cepeda for 25 years. He lives in Monterrey, N.L., Mexico.
MONDAY MANNA
A service to the business community
A Publication of CBMC International
September 22, 2025
Reflection/Discussion Questions
- What is your definition for the word “ethics”? Do you agree with the statement that there is no such thing as ‘business ethics,’ but only ethics that apply to any area of life? Why or why not?
- In what ways can strict determination to uphold high ethical standards build trust?
- How can consistent ethical practices prove to be profitable – for an individual, as well as a company or organization? What if decisions guided by ethical convictions result in the loss of a client or an important business deal?
- Of the biblical principles cited that apply to integrity and ethical behavior, which stands out most prominently for you?
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 10:9, 11:1,3, 12:22, 16:11, 19:5, 20:17,25, 21:6; Matthew 6:33
Challenge for This Week
Take some time this week to evaluate your own ethical behavior and standards. It might be helpful to meet with someone with whom you can be transparent – a mentor, trusted advisor, or a small group with whom you feel accountable. Ask their opinion about whether they see you as someone who consistently maintains high ethical standards.
Share with one another your commitment to maintaining ethical principles and pray that God will give you the strength not to compromise, even if it seems expedient to do so.
CBMC Central Michigan 4407 W. St. Joe Hwy. Lansing 48917 / 517 481 5996 lansing.cbmc.com