Lying For the Cause of Christ

Posted under ethics, truth by FPeatross

We stood in line sliding the seventy pound suitcases across the concrete floor. Slowly we inched closer. Our bags were loaded down with both non-prescription and prescription drugs. Ukrainian customs laws were clear. All medications must be declared.

We had to make a decision. We discussed our options. Should we lie to the customs officials or tell the truth. Telling the truth meant losing our medicines to the corrupt functionaries.

 We knew the stories. We had our own personal experiences. Declare the medicine and the sick would suffer the consequences of going without antibiotics. 

 The choice was easy. We lied to the agents for the cause of Christ.

There are occasions when the absolute moral laws of the Bible find themselves in conflict. When this happens one is under obligation to follow the higher law. Moral and ethical laws possess a hierarchy that necessitates certain rules to be elevated and others to be subordinate. To unthinkingly submit to ‘absolute bible obedience’ without regard for situations, people, circumstances, and consequences becomes little more than an exercise in rigorous rule keeping and a breach of Christian duty.

Yes Proverbs 12:22 says, “…the Lord detests lying lips” but there are instances where biblical commands must be broken in order to honor others.  Remember Ex. 1:15-20 when God rewarded the Hebrew midwives for breaking the law by lying so the baby boys could live?

 God withholds accountability from those who demonstrate mercy to the innocent rather than truth-telling to the guilty.