Life Ethic!

“Ethic” is defined as: “(1) the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation, (2) a set of moral principles or values, …principles of conduct.” [source: “Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary”]

“Situation ethics” is defined as: “a system of ethics in which moral judgments are thought to depend on the context in which they are to be made, rather than on general moral principles.” [source: Microsoft ® Encarta ® Encyclopedia 2002]

Which of these two would most reflect the CHARACTER of our life? The first provides a very firm foundation on which to base life choices regardless of the situation. The second would give cause for wonder relating to any given situation or depend upon the company (or lack thereof) present at any given time and would therefore be marked by a great sense of inconsistency of actions and responses. Having life governed by “situation ethics” would not only leave those around such a one unsure of what to expect in any given situation, but it would also make the one governed by such a principle unsure themselves until each particular situation arose.

It has been said, “Character is doing what’s right when nobody’s looking.” [J. C. Watts, Jr., (Politician)]

We might marvel at the thought of a politician making such a statement or perhaps we would wish more would take it to heart. This statement strikes at the very heart of CHARACTER. It is the true essence of a life to be made evident regardless of company or situation. To live a life guided by righteous CHARACTER is to acknowledge the reality of absolutes with a desire to absolutely abide by them.

Within the culture of the first century Paul exhorted slaves…
“(5) Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, WITH A SINCERE HEART, AS YOU WOULD CHRIST, (6) NOT BY THE WAY OF EYE-SERVICE, as people-pleasers, BUT AS SERVANTS OF CHRIST, doing the WILL OF GOD FROM THE HEART, (7) rendering service with a good will AS TO THE LORD AND NOT TO MAN,
(8) knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he WILL RECEIVE BACK FROM THE LORD, WHETHER he is a SLAVE OR FREE.” ( Ephesians 6:5-8 ESV) [also note Colossians 3:22-24]

Paul went on to address masters doing what was right as well. However, the principle here was applicable to one whether they were “slave or free.”

Is our life governed by “situation ethics” or by established rules of right and wrong which would fit any situation? Are we focused on the eyes surrounding us, or the all seeing eye above us? What pleases people varies from person to person and moment to moment to such an extent it would be hopeless to find any constancy there for the situations of life. On the other hand, seeking to please God and live in accordance with what He has revealed provides the solid framework for decisions to be made long before we are faced with those situations. With such a focus we will be inclined to do the right thing whether others will ever know about it or not! That is the CHARACTER that brings true stability to life. And our reward will be from the One Who is always aware of our actions and the heart behind them.

May we continually seek to please God! That is always the right thing to do! Allowing His Will to be the thread weaving though all our actions and choices will serve to bind our life together to His glory and praise!

Have a great day LIVING CONSISTENT WITH GODLY MORAL FIBER!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Morality