Ethical Enterprise - Coming Soon
Track 2: “Ethical Enterprise”
Description:
“Ethical Enterprise” is a thought-provoking and inspiring song that addresses the vital topic of integrity and righteousness in business practices. This track combines contemporary Christian music elements with a touch of folk influence, creating a sound that is both modern and timeless.
The song begins with an acoustic guitar intro, giving it an earthy, grounded feel. This musical choice sets the stage for a journey into the ethics of business and the importance of conducting ourselves with honesty and fairness. The verses are carried by a clear, compelling vocal melody that tells a story of the everyday challenges and choices faced in the business world.
In the chorus, the music transitions to a richer, fuller sound with the addition of background vocals and a more pronounced rhythm section. Here, the song lifts into a prayerful plea for ethical conduct and a call to celebrate businesses that operate with integrity. The melody is both catchy and reflective, designed to resonate with listeners and encourage them to consider the impact of their professional actions.
The bridge of “Ethical Enterprise” brings a moment of introspection and repentance, acknowledging the temptations and pitfalls in the world of commerce. The instrumentation here is stripped back to a more minimalistic style, allowing the lyrics and the message of accountability and change to take center stage.
The song concludes with a reprise of the chorus, but with an added layer of strings and harmonies, creating a sense of hope and resolution. This outro reinforces the idea that businesses can indeed be a force for good in the world.
“Ethical Enterprise” is a powerful reminder of the Christian calling to be lights in the marketplace. It challenges listeners to think deeply about their own work practices and to aspire to conduct business in a way that honors God and respects others. This track is perfect for reflection on professional ethics, making it a valuable addition to both personal playlists and worship gatherings.
Devotional for “Ethical Enterprise”
Introduction:
Ethics in business is not just a societal demand but a biblical mandate. God calls us to honesty, fairness, and integrity not just in our personal lives but also in our business dealings. This devotional explores what the Bible says about ethical business practices and how we can apply these principles to our work lives.
Scripture References:
- Leviticus 19:35-36 – “Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity. Use honest scales and honest weights…”
- Proverbs 11:1 – “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.”
- Proverbs 22:16 – “Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.”
- James 5:4 – “Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.”
Reflection:
Consider the ethical challenges present in modern business practices. How does your workplace measure up against biblical standards of fairness and integrity? Reflect on any personal experiences where you’ve encountered ethical dilemmas and how you responded.
Issues of Corruption and Prioritizing Gain Over Integrity: The pursuit of success can often lead to justifying unethical practices. Reflect on how the Bible unequivocally condemns such behavior and calls us to a higher standard.
Practical Application:
- Honesty: Commit to being honest in all business dealings, even when it might be easier or more profitable to be otherwise.
- Fair Treatment: Ensure you are treating employees, customers, and competitors fairly and justly, as you would want to be treated.
- Accountability: Set up systems of accountability within your business practices to safeguard against unethical decisions.
Prayer Points:
- Pray for the conviction to act ethically in all business matters.
- Intercede for businesses and leaders that they may prioritize integrity over profit.
- Ask for strength for those who are standing up against corruption and unethical practices in the workplace.
- Pray for a culture of righteousness to permeate the marketplace.
Conclusion:
An ethical enterprise is one that reflects the character of God in its operations. Through this devotional, we seek a deeper commitment to conducting our work and businesses in ways that are pleasing to God, fostering a marketplace where righteousness thrives.
Lyrics
Ethical Enterprise
Verse 1:
In the corridors of commerce, under lights that never dim,
We seek a path of honesty, where Your truth begins.
In deals that shape our world, in the handshake of trust,
We walk in Your integrity, for righteousness we must.
Chorus:
With every sale, with every service, let our hearts be true,
Ethical enterprise, Lord, we honor You.
In the marketplace, in the office, let Your love be seen,
In our business, be our witness, keep our consciences clean.
Verse 2:
For the worker, for the customer, respect in all we do,
In the boardroom, on the shop floor, may we reflect You.
Fair practices, our banner, care for all, not just some,
In the currency of kindness, let Your kingdom come.
Chorus:
With every sale, with every service, let our hearts be true,
Ethical enterprise, Lord, we honor You.
In the marketplace, in the office, let Your love be seen,
In our business, be our witness, keep our consciences clean.
Bridge:
Yet, where we’ve fallen, in the shadow of the gain,
Forgive us for exploiting pain for our own gain.
Purge us from corruption, from the greed that blinds,
Lead us back to the heart of service, to the ties that bind.
Outro (Blessing):
We declare our work will stand, righteous in Your sight,
In every transaction, Your justice our light.
Bless our enterprise, with Your strength imbue,
Success in alignment with Your virtue true.
Lead Sheet
- Key: D Major – Conveys sincerity and honesty, aligning with the song’s theme of integrity.
- Time Signature: 4/4 – This provides a steady and reliable rhythm, suitable for the song’s reflective and earnest nature.
- Tempo: Andante (92 bpm) – A moderate tempo that allows for thoughtful expression, matching the song’s introspective quality.
Storyboard descriptions for music video
Scene 1: Intro
- Audio: Calm, introspective instrumental music, perhaps an acoustic guitar setting a thoughtful mood.
- Visuals: Early morning scenes in a city; businesses opening, people commuting. Focus on a variety of businesses (small shop, large corporation, café).
- Mood/Intent: Anticipation of a new day, setting the stage for a narrative on business ethics.
Scene 2: Verse 1
- Audio: Vocals start, singing about honest business practices; background music remains gentle but purposeful.
- Visuals: Inside various businesses, employees are beginning their day. Focus on interactions: a manager shaking hands with an employee, a shopkeeper setting up, honest transactions occurring.
- Mood/Intent: Establishing a sense of integrity and respect in everyday business activities.
Scene 3: Chorus
- Audio: Music becomes fuller, chorus emphasizing ethical values.
- Visuals: Scenes showing positive outcomes of ethical practices: a satisfied customer, a successful team meeting, employees feeling valued and respected.
- Mood/Intent: Uplifting, reinforcing the value of ethical practices in business.
Scene 4: Verse 2
- Audio: Return to the softer verse melody, continuing the theme.
- Visuals: An employee faces an ethical dilemma (e.g., a decision about fairness). Tension is visible in their expression.
- Mood/Intent: Introduce conflict, showing the challenges of maintaining integrity.
Scene 5: Chorus
- Audio: Chorus repeats with a slightly more emphatic musical arrangement.
- Visuals: Resolution of the dilemma in a positive, ethical way. Scenes of collaboration, mutual respect among colleagues.
- Mood/Intent: Resolution and reaffirmation of ethical values, showing the benefits of doing the right thing.
Scene 6: Bridge
- Audio: Music becomes introspective, addressing the issue of corruption.
- Visuals: Depiction of internal struggle with unethical practices (e.g., witnessing corruption, grappling with a tough decision).
- Mood/Intent: Reflective and challenging, emphasizing the need for change.
Scene 7: Verse 3
- Audio: Music builds up, returning to the theme of ethical enterprise.
- Visuals: The individual makes a courageous ethical choice. Others follow the lead, showcasing a ripple effect of positive actions.
- Mood/Intent: Empowering, demonstrating the impact of one ethical decision.
Scene 8: Chorus
- Audio: Full chorus, vibrant and affirming.
- Visuals: A celebration of ethical practices in business – happy employees, thriving businesses, a community benefiting.
- Mood/Intent: Joyful and triumphant, illustrating the prosperity that comes with integrity.
Scene 9: Outro
- Audio: Music slowly fades to a gentle, hopeful end.
- Visuals: Evening scenes of the city; businesses closing with a sense of accomplishment and peace.
- Mood/Intent: Reflective and optimistic, concluding the day with integrity intact.
Scene 10: End Credits
- Audio: A soft reprise of the theme.
- Visuals: Credits roll over serene night scenes of the city, lights dimming as the day ends.
- Mood/Intent: Closure, leaving the viewer with a sense of contentment and hope for a better business world.