In my life, this would be the factor that has had and continues to have the strongest influence on my character. All religions have a higher power that man ultimately "answers up to." This has a strong bearing on the choice that we make and the road that is taken. I look to Christ as an example of excellent character. The story of his life reveals that he was always looking a bigger picture and not focused on himself. That is a good basis for man's integrity - to think of others first. I think that would make the right decision clearer in many situations. Another part of my character lies in my belief that I am here for a purpose and that my daily decisions impact other people. I hope that my character reveals that I care about how others see me and care about how Christ is portrayed through my actions. Lastly, God makes promises to his people that stay strong in character. He said to Solomon, "As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever." This is just one of the many promises made to his people who hold to their values and it shows that God does place value on man's character. Each of these influences, and many more, have had a definite impact on the development of my character. I feel that character is the most influential part of the "behind the scenes" in decision-making, there are more factors that come into play when making ethical decisions.
Man has some type of motivation behind every decision that he makes. A lot of times the motivation to be ethical may stem from other purposes rather than the sole desire to do what is right. Many corporations appear to make ethical decisions in order to save face. The media plays such a strong role in the minds of consumers that corporations are forced to act righteously in the public eye to maintain a sufficient level of business.
