The recent events at Penn State University (child sexual abuse by a staff member and alleged cover-up by the university) have again caused me to ponder those forces in our society that foster behaviors of self-preservation over doing the right thing. Of course, this is not a new phenomenon; skewed thinking has led to immoral and amoral decisions throughout history. But it seems that the tendency toward self-preservation to the detriment of others is increasingly infiltrating every institution. Unfortunately, the prevailing attitude is that the end does justify the means.

Of course, the Penn State situation is a flagrant example of skewed focus, having devastating results. I don’t believe some of those involved are bad people, but they obviously placed self-preservation above sound moral judgment. Because this practice has become the norm in our society, it’s possible some of them were even conscious of their infraction. Desensitization has claimed many.

Most instances of skewed focus are far more subtle than the abuse referenced above. Most cases are now viewed as acceptable business or ministry philosophy for the sake of “success,” and the wounded are all around us. Success is now defined by some as whatever advances the individual or institution financially or in terms of position or reputation, and often that advancement requires a disregard for the welfare of others. There’s a pervasive hardness of heart that has been thoroughly justified in the minds of “good” people.

I believe we have done this to ourselves. Years ago the self-esteem bandwagon started to roll. Terms like “look out for number one,” “you deserve it,” and “take what you can get” infiltrated the airwaves, and we bought the lie. As a Christian, I fully see this as a successful accomplishment of the evil one. Hearts are darkened through self-focus, and that darkness is the goal of the deceiver. When self rules, society fails.

Proverbs 16:25 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

 Ancient words, hard truth.

My husband has certainly seen this roughshod philosophy in the business world. “Look out for number one” is a thriving philosophy, frequently resulting in cut-throat politics and self-serving decisions that not only weaken the company’s productivity but also leave servant-minded, creative, and dedicated employees out of the picture. My husband is a servant by nature, usually expending more energy on the encouragement and elevation of others above his own promotion. Unfortunately, this practice is unappreciated and unrecognized in most corporate environments. But I know in my heart that he is one of the few truly giving, unselfish, and unapologetically ethical corporate executives left, and that makes him my hero.

The shrugging off of personal responsibility at Penn State shouldn’t shock us. This is happening all around us as self-preservation grows to trump moral or ethical correctness. “Whistle blowers” and “boat rockers” are frowned upon and often eliminated. The status quo of corruption is the god of the day, so long as certain individual’s positions are secure, the teams on the field or court are winning, and the money is rolling in. 

I believe we are better than this. This nation was established and freed through self-sacrifice.  I have hope that integrity and personal sacrifice for the good of others can be restored. Our response to this must be self-examination. We must face the compromise and selfishness in our own hearts and pray for personal renewal. We must return to service. We must return to giving. We must strive to protect those around us. If we don’t, the downward slide will do more than shock us. It will destroy us.

Joy in Jesus (no matter what),

Jacquee