RIGHT or WRONG? Giving guidance

“How can I give ethical guidance as ethically as possible?”

Giving ethical guidance can be a particularly daunting task. There always is the question of “who are you to be giving me guidance?” as well as the problem that ethical guidance sometimes merely serves as a cover for casting judgment. Such issues can produce enough backlash to render the entire conversation meaningless. An ethical approach can prevent this loss of communication.

A foundational element to such an approach involves recognizing the true source of ethical guidance. The guidance must come from God, not simply the mouth or mind of the person speaking the words. A proper understanding of the fact that, as humans, we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God provides two critical elements necessary for successful ethical guidance.

First, such an understanding bestows the appropriate sense of humility on the one seeking to give guidance. This eliminates any level of judgment. The presentation must convey a sense of one imperfect person trying to help another. The theme should be of joint struggle, not victorious condescension. The description in John 8 of Jesus’ admonition to the crowd surrounding the woman caught in adultery should serve as an example for those who would seek to promote such superiority.

So, who then could ever give ethical guidance? A second element of understanding God’s glory supplies the answer. We are not giving our guidance but God’s, and God has commanded us to make his will known. This understanding keeps us from remaining quiet on issues God has deemed important. We speak not with our own authority, which has no value, but with the authority of God, which has supreme value.

The prophets and the apostles understood the obligation to tender such guidance. They spoke with the authority that “thus saith the Lord.” Speaking with humility, they nevertheless spoke the word of God with power and determination. Following their example, we find the strength to speak with authority on difficult issues, all the while maintaining a love for people and a desire to see God’s will done above all else.

Of course, we find our supreme example of how to give ethical guidance in an ethical manner by looking at the life of Jesus. He never hesitated to confront improper attitudes and actions or to guide people in difficult decisions for the improvement of their lives and the kingdom of God. Yet, in a humility that would ultimately lead to the cross, Jesus showed his only motivation was love for God and for his people. By constantly following these greatest commandments, Jesus demonstrated for us the true nature of ethical guidance. Our goal must be to model that behavior in our lives today.

Van Christian, pastor

First Baptist Church

Comanche

Right or Wrong? is sponsored by the T.B. Maston Chair of Christian Ethics at Hardin-Simmons University’s Logsdon School of Theology. Send your questions about how to apply your faith to [email protected].