20Sep 07
Situational Ethics
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The instinctive ways of animals provide a number of insightful analogies and applications for life. We have been blessed over the years by the inspiring animal stories and character applications found within the Character Sketches published by IBLP. The revealed strengths and weaknesses of numerous creatures within this series have provided meaningful life lessons for our family.
One animal that has been the topic of much conversation the past several weeks is the White Tail Deer. Over the recent years of watching deer wander about our land in Culpeper, we have noticed a tendency among this particular creature. The deer selects the path he feels most comfortable with. When faced with the 
decision of a well trodden path or the thistle thicket, the deer often chooses the well trodden path. We have attempted to use this apprent weakness of the deer’s instinct by creating cleared pathways through dense thickets near our hunting stands.
Humans are by no means free from the similar fault of choosing what feels good. Last week, most of our family engaged in a related study of the phrase: ‘Situational Ethics.’ One definition that resulted was, “Situation Ethics: An opinion used to determine right or wrong based on circumstances and/or feelings.” Answers.com defined it as, “A system of ethics that evaluates acts in light of their situational context rather than by the application of moral absolutes.” Unlike the instinct driven deer, humans have the ability to choose. The flesh drives one to choose what offers the least resistance and provides the greatest pleasure vs. the pathway of discipline (soft choices). It seeks instant gratification and ease of problems over long term resolution.
The point was driven home this week when I found myself involved in an eye opening conversation with an employee from our local Goodyear. In our discussion on the purpose for life, the topic of art came up. I mentioned how a lack of principles in art has resulted in simply bizarr creations. His response was a quote by who I believe was contemporary artist Phil Foglio, “Art is whatever you can get away with.” With no basis for life and the decisions we make, there are no boundaries or reason. Every man does what is right in his own eyes, so long as he can get away with it.
In Christ, the dots of life connect together in a glorious array of meaningful beauty that offers the defining solution to the questions and problems of mankind. John 14:6, Jesus saith unto them, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man commeth unto the Father, but by me.”
Some awesome pictures. Great to see God’s creativity over there in the Virginia’s. May the Lord bless you all this week with a gratefulness for who He is.
In HIM,
Chad Isa.43:10
Very insightful post, Josh, and very true! With all these recent pictures of deer and hunters, I’m starting to get hunting fever.
I agree with you Chad – reminds me of the photos you attach to your emails. I will admit, it is hard to beat the beautiful skies over the Northwoods Training Center. I would love to see a post of photos from the Northwoods someday.
Robert – well we have your family to thank for instigating the deer fever. After that memorable weekend we spent at your home cutting up deer meat, our lives will never be the same
.
I know it’s hard to believe, but even I am ready to handle all that brownish-red, gushy-mushy, uncooked, right-out-of-the-grinder hamburger again! I can feel it oozing into 2-pound ziploc bags right now. Can’t wait!
Just a few evenings ago our family all gathered down-stairs while Dad read one of the Character Sketch stories. They are definitely a favorite of our family too!
Thanks for the reminder Joshua. One of my most recent lessons from nature came from the bat. In several different counties of Taiwan I’ve witnessed this curious little creature coming out to begin its hunting right at sunset just like clockwork. Some were large, some were small, but all were dependable and knew the best time for a hunt. Wherever we are, may those who see us see the same character traits portrayed in Christ rather than situational ethics!
It facinates me how even though every situation in life is so different, God’s principles of right and wrong still apply. The right decision is the one which follows God’s unchanging law. It is always right to do to others as I would have them do to me, as Jesus said, because this IS God’s law and the prophets (Mt. 7:12, Rom. 13:9-10). I know that I am following the Golden Rule when it causes me to obey God’s law. If it causes me to disobey God’s law, I have changed its meaning to say something that it does not say. Following the Truth will prevent you from wandering down the path of least resistance and into the traps of Satan.
[...] Dad gathered us together for a memorable family night. Pulling out a much loved volume of the Character Sketches, he began to read a story of an animal which exemplifies the character quality of Decisiveness. [...]