Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper

My Code of Ethics

Some folks have asked me why I write what I do. What is the bedrock upon which I have formulated my beliefs, attitudes and behavior? First here is my definition of ethics: they are the rules and standards I use in governing my attitudes and conduct in all situations and places.

Being a Christian, the bedrock foundation of these rules and standards are Biblically based as much as a faulty human such as myself can understand and follow.

My personal code of ethics has developed over a long period of time beginning in childhood. I first became aware of ethical conduct around the age of six when my father taught me about keeping a promise and how this was a reflection of genuine manhood. From the 3rd grade on I attended Catholic parochial schools in Alaska where ethics classes were a large part of the curriculum. During my high school years I began reading the Bible and assimilating the Scriptures into my belief system. Then for a short period of time after graduating from high school I walked away from God and went my own way. Yet, much of my code of ethics was retained, though they were severely strained at times!

For almost 10 years after graduation I wandered around the worldly wilderness, yet God was always there prodding me to come back to Him. He allowed me to learn the hard way that His way is the only way to live and have fulfillment and happiness. He worked through several agencies and agents to bring me back home, and I am delighted to say He succeeded. I do not advise this as a way of learning truth, but during those years away from God I learned that the ways He taught the Israelites and New Testament believers to live and interact with those around them are the right ones. After learning that lesson, I have since spent most of my life actively attempting to live accordingly, but learning that no matter how hard I try something usually sneaks up when I’m not looking and trips me up. I strive for perfection, knowing that in this life I will never attain it.

My personal code of ethics provides a sound foundation for daily conduct in all of my activities and inter-personal relationships. As the Scriptures address every aspect of human behavior and endeavor, I have attempted to incorporate these admonitions and guides into my beliefs and code of ethics that are now an integral part of my life.

There is no way to completely list every part of my personal moral code. Any attempt to do so would include very large segments of the Holy Scriptures consuming more time and space than available. I will condense and reduce them to a relatively few as they apply to my current status in life.

As a husband I love, cherish and support my wife. As a father I love & cherish our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. As a disciple of Christ I edify and encourage all those around me as the Spirit leads and enables. As a citizen of the United States of America I support the lawful actions of government, and will use lawful means of stopping government over reach.

Ephesians 5:25-29, and I Peter 3:7, and other Scriptures give me instruction on how I am to live with my wife. She is the other half of my life that makes me whole, enabling me to be complete as a man according to the Word of God. Dorothy, my wife of 49 years, is to be loved unconditionally as Christ loved the church. She is to be cherished, appreciated and respected. She is to be supported, given all that she needs to grow and develop as a woman of God, as well as supplied her material needs. Thus I love, cherish and support my wife. And I’m not saying she isn’t smart and talented… because she is that in so many ways!

 

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