Today I will:
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, "He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us"? James 4:4-5 (ESV)
There may be no greater deception in the world of business than a sense of entitlement. While entry-level employees may be deceived by it to the point of justifying the theft of pens or copy paper, upper-level managers can fall to using it to manipulate those they supervise-or abuse their company credit cards to buy personal items or expensive lunches. CEOs and presidents also fall into its grasp to justify huge raises and bonuses for themselves, while there are large layoffs or cutbacks in their companies. Entitlement allows them to disregard the truth and ethical principles in order to satisfy selfish desires.
James tells us that we deceive ourselves when we hear what is right, but don't do it. (See James 1:22.) This deception occurs in business when facts and figures are presented to the decision-makers, but instead of securing the future of their companies and employees, they choose instead to secure their own positions or financial situations. People aren't hypocrites because they have consciously chosen to be so, but because they have allowed themselves to be deceived. Then, walking in that deception, they spin the facts to justify their actions to others, spreading their deception to those who trust them.
Take a moment today and look for areas in which you may be deceiving yourself about what you are doing at work. Pray that God will reveal these areas to you and bring people into your life who can help you see the truth clearly. Only by clearing your vision can you see your way ahead to do the right things and accomplish your goals.