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The Dilemma of Situation Ethics: Does Context Override Sin?

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In the annals of ethical debates, one recurring question persists: Does the situation in which an action occurs negate its moral implications? This quandary, often debated through the lens of religious texts, confronts individuals with profound moral choices. In examining this issue, we turn to the biblical narrative and explore various instances where situation ethics clash with divine standards.

Consider the tragic fate of Uzzah, recounted in 2 Samuel 6:6-7. When the oxen shook the Ark of God, Uzzah instinctively reached out to steady it, resulting in his untimely death. David’s subsequent realization underscores the importance of adhering to divine commands, (1Chron 15:2).

Despite Uzzah’s noble intention to prevent the Ark from falling, his actions were deemed irreconcilable with God’s decree that only Levites should handle the holy chest. Here, the severity of the situation did not absolve Uzzah of his transgression.

Integrity with God’s word emerges as a central theme in assessing ethical conduct. Matthew 22:37-39 underscores the importance of genuine intentions rooted in love for God and others. However, the case of misguided zeal, exemplified by Saul of Tarsus before his conversion to Christ, serves as a cautionary tale. Despite his fervent dedication to what he perceived as righteous, Saul’s actions contradicted God’s will, as evidenced in Acts 22:3-4 and Acts 26:9. This distinction between sincerity and righteousness highlights the inadequacy of integrity alone in determining moral correctness.

The danger of zeal divorced from truth is clarified in Romans 10:1-2, where Paul laments the misplaced fervor of his fellow Jews. Their zeal, though commendable, lacked the necessary foundation of divine knowledge, rendering it futile. This warning resonates in contemporary contexts where churches compromise doctrinal integrity to appeal to broader audiences, as seen in the emphasis on entertainment over spiritual truth.

Scriptural admonitions against deviating from doctrinal purity underscore the gravity of adhering to divine truth. 1Timothy 1:3 and 2John 1:10 caution against the acceptance of alternative teachings, emphasizing the exclusivity of divine doctrine. The solemn declaration in Galatians 1:8, 9 reinforces the unequivocal nature of the gospel, rejecting any deviation from its foundational truths. “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

The problem of situation ethics poses a formidable challenge to individuals grappling with moral decisions. The biblical narrative offers valuable insights into the intersection of context and morality, emphasizing the enduring relevance of divine standards. While circumstances may vary, the timeless principles articulated in Scripture serve as unwavering guides, reminding believers that situational complexities do not negate the eternal truths of righteousness and integrity. We are to navigate the intricacies of ethical dilemmas with steadfast adherence to divine precepts, knowing that no situation can justify a departure from the immutable standards of God.

Agape,

Spencer

This article is part 4 of a series titled, God’s Moral Law. click here for part one.

You’re invited to attend one of our services at the church of Christ on Franklin and Juniper in Borger Texas.

7 PLAGUES of the mind pt 2

The Preacher 1 Comment

LEERINESS & APATHY.

Before we can exceed our expectations, we must first face our limitations. Attitudes of the mind that interfere with our faith are some of those limitations.

Awareness is a warning. Just as we watch the weather to prepare for a storm, so too should we be aware of those negative PLAGUES of the mind that contribute to the storms of life.

Last article looked at the first in our list called Pessimism. Today we give warning to the second and third; Leeriness (overcaution) and Apathy.

All of the PLAGUES are natural responses to our experiences in life. They are not sin in and of themselves, except as it weakens our faith, and faithfulness.

“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and took hold of him, and saith unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt” (Matt 14:31)?

Overcaution, being overly leery, is being unnecessarily cautious. We are instructed to be cautious; “Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise” (Eph 5:15), but overcautious can hinder us in helping brethren. “Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb 13:2).

Jesus spoke about helping strangers, “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:  for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me” (Matt 25:34-36). These two passages talk about the individual responsibility first toward brethren in Christ, and also toward our fellow man (cf Gal 6:10; Luke 10:33-37)

Life is full of risk. It’s risky to do those things needed to take responsibility for the needs of the family. It’s risky to try to improve our health, & mind. We risk appearing foolish as we learn. It’s risky to serve God (Acts 3-8). It’s risky to keep the faith in a faithless world. “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved” (Matt 10:22).

A few years ago, Overcaution led many away from assembling with the saints. That’s not to say we should take unnecessary risks, being too risky is unwise, but it takes risk to remain faithful. If worshiping together with the saints becomes illegal, will you risk it to worship God? While Paul was ready to risk death (Acts 21:13), he took advantage of an opportunity to avoid dying unnecessarily (Acts 23:11-22). Be ready to die, but avoid it if it doesn’t cause you to lose faith. “For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matt 16:25).

To overcome overcaution, we need to remember the instruction to Timothy; “For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands. For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline. Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God” (2Tim 1:6-8)

Apathy is the third in our list of plagues of the mind. The bible describes it as being lukewarm. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth” (Rev 3:15-16). Think about coffee. We like it either piping hot or ice cold, but room temperature coffee is not on any Starbucks menu. Room temperature is the temperature of inactivity.

Apathy takes the “I don’t care” or “It doesn’t matter” approach to service rendered toward God. While there are some things that have no affect on maintaining fellowship, there are other things that are absolute. Baptism, instrumental music in worship, faith in Christ, preaching the gospel, etc are doctrines that cannot be changed.

Paul wrote to Timothy, “Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee” (1Tim 4:16). There are teachings (doctrines) that are absolute. The ecumenical world takes a casual approach to the doctrine of Christ. “If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting” (2John 10).

Pour it on is the opposite attitude of apathy. Paul found contentment in whatever state he was in; “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.” (Phil 4:11). Paul pressed all the buttons, turned all the knobs, and flipped all the switches. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14).

Paul wrote quite a bit about being on fire for the Lord:

Apathy is the drift approach to faithfulness. “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them. For if the word spoken through angels proved stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard;” (Heb 2:1-3; emph mine seb).

The Leeriness and Apathetic approach to faith is no faith at all. These two plagues need to be fought like we fight any physical disease.

Agape,

Spencer

the 7 PLAGUES of the mind is a series of articles about attitudes.