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PROGRAM D-7768
Fran and her friend Louise are facing a tough decision about how to deal with a supervisor who is asking Louise to do something dishonest. They have gotten together to discuss it, and have agreed that it would be wrong for Louise to do what Jerry is asking her to do, because Louise knows it is wrong.
Fran says to Louise, “Proverbs 4 warns us not to even swerve off the right path. Even little compromises can lead to major disasters and this is one example of how taking the easy way out could get you in deeper and deeper.”
“But Fran,” Louise looks at her with fear in her eyes, “if I refuse to do what Jerry told me to do, well, you know Jerry. He will find a way to take it out on me somewhere, somehow. That’s just the way he is.”
“But Louise,” Fran touches her arm for assurance, “we can’t allow consequences to determine our actions. We have to base our actions on biblical principles, and then trust God for the consequences.”
“Yeah,” Louise says, “but when it’s your job on the line, it’s tough.”
“I have an idea,” Fran says. “Explain to Jerry that this presents a dilemma for you and you cannot in good conscience sign his report. However, you will allow him to complete that report—in his handwriting—with notations as to what client he took to lunch and where the receipts are.”
“Hmm,” Louise says, “so what I’ll be saying to him is I won’t lie for you, but if you want to lie for yourself, I’ll give you that opportunity.”
“Yes, in a sense that’s it,” Fran answers. “But you will make it clear to him that you cannot do it, and it is his decision. You can even cover yourself with a memo to him, if you think you need to do that.”
“But Fran, I know that meal was personal,” Louise explains. “So, I can’t claim to be ignorant.”
“I understand,” Fran says, “but you aren’t claiming to be ignorant. You’re just refusing to verify the report, one way or the other.”
“Am I just dodging the issue then, Fran?” Louise asks. “I mean, should I not report this expense as personal since I know it is?”
“Well,” Fran asks, “since Jerry does not report to you and you are not responsible for his behavior, do you think it would be either right or necessary for you to report his cheating?”
They discuss it at length, and Louise concludes that she is not called to be the policewoman of the office—not even of Jerry. If Jerry chooses to cheat, that is his decision. But she has to be certain that he understands she will not be a part of his deception.
