Sort it out

Dr Joseph Fletcher, Dean of St Paul`s Cathedral in in Cincinnati, Ohio, wrote a book in the early 60`s entitled: Situation Ethics.

He says that "Love should be the only measure against which we should distinguish between right and wrong" If we fail - the result being natural ethical chaos. Everyone will then have their own values, which may change from situation to situation. To make matters worse, there is a tendency to always excuse oneself, we judge ourselves only with good intent - whilst we judge others against a stern measuring rod and based on their `bad behavior`. The person stealing stationary from the office, or who cheats on his income tax returns, expects to be treated fairly from the very same employer or the client he deals with.

It is so easy to condemn people whom we feel have acted unethically, especially if we have been on the receiving end. It`s way more difficult to make the ethically correct choice when it concerns ourselves. When you move on the edge of honesty, you need be acutely aware that you may slip and fall off at any moment. It may be possible to fool some people for a while, but eventually the dishonesty will surface. Honesty may for a while seem like a lost cause, however, double standards will eventually lead to a fall. Short-cuts and lies eventually overtakes.

Pro 4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

The sad part of acting in such a way is that in our attempts at validating ourselves and desire to make the other party seem `evil`, we lead those who want to listen to our woes, down a path of misery themselves.

They listen to our stories, agree with our diatribes without having all the facts at hand and they then themselves become involved in sin. They slander, they agree with our cries for vengeance, they accuse and yet........ they don`t even know the full truth.

Mat 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

The Scriptures are so clear - if you have a problem with someone - take it up with him - do not go public and see how many people will agree with you before they know the truth. This may lead to your own embarrassment and humiliation - something that can and should be avoided, for your own sake.

Sadly we run to those who will lend an ear.

The other side of the same coin - we often listen to the woes and stories of our fellowman, and we are quick to agree with them and to raise an opinion, before having heard both sides of an event.

1Ti 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

Before we condemn and judge, we should ensure that we have all the facts and all the information, before we bring condemnation on ourselves, by standing in agreement with a false accuser.

As Christians we should always endeavour to walk in the lines of guidance, presented to us in Scripture.

Follow the Word of God and it`s instruction rather than the word of the accuser.