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{"id":1456,"date":"2011-07-13T11:29:43","date_gmt":"2011-07-13T18:29:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.richarddahlstrom.com\/?p=1456"},"modified":"2011-07-13T11:29:43","modified_gmt":"2011-07-13T18:29:43","slug":"ethics-a-system-a-sound-byte-or-a-person","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/richarddahlstrom\/2011\/07\/13\/ethics-a-system-a-sound-byte-or-a-person\/","title":{"rendered":"Ethics: A system, a sound byte, or a person?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

The questions that have come out of this past Sunday\u2019s sermon (Lust, Anger, Divorce)<\/a> seem to be looking for formulas. \u201cWhen should I express anger and when should I let it go?\u201d <\/em> \u201cIs masturbation an acceptable way of dealing with my singleness?\u201d<\/em> \u201cJust what does \u2018sexual immorality\u2019 mean in Jesus\u2019 divorce teaching in Matthew 5: 32?\u201d \u00a0We\u2019re looking, it seems, for a grid, formula, or system, whereby we might know the right thing to do; every time, in every situation.<\/p>\n

The problem with this kind of thinking is that it simply doesn\u2019t square with Jesus\u2019 teaching or life.<\/p>\n

1. He tells his disciples to buy a sword,<\/a> and he tells them that those who take up the sword will perish by it.<\/a><\/p>\n

2. He warns people against anger <\/a>and then walks into the temple and creates chaos.<\/a><\/p>\n

3. He spends time, alone<\/em>, with the Samaritan woman<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4. He\u2019s accused of being both too ascetic, and too indulgent.<\/a><\/p>\n

Who is this Person<\/em>? \u00a0He\u2019s the one whose ethic defies systems and formulas \u2013 and here\u2019s what we learn from him:<\/p>\n

We\u2019re invited to a person first and foremost.<\/strong> This doesn\u2019t mean there are no ethics, but it means that in the end, our wisdom comes, not from a system, but from a person. \u00a0Anger? \u00a0It\u2019s appropriate in a moment, wrong in another. \u00a0I\u2019m not the one to tell you when though, Christ is. \u00a0Masturbation? \u00a0Again, you need conviction that flows out from Christ. \u00a0The same would be true as you seek to respond to tensions or stagnation in marriage, or any endless number of other issues.<\/p>\n

That person speaks through his Word, and his Body. \u00a0This is just one of the many reasons it\u2019s vital to have your coffee with God<\/a>, and to be involved in real community, where real people love you enough to speak the Word of Christ into your life.<\/p>\n

This doesn\u2019t mean everything\u2019s situational<\/strong>. \u00a0There\u2019s never a time to sleep with someone else\u2019s spouse; or lie in order to flatter someone; or lash out in thoughtless, reactive rage; or continue to hold a grudge. \u00a0The list is long, and it\u2019s important to recognize it.<\/p>\n

But there are nuances as well, and it\u2019s there, in the grey realms, that the author to the Hebrews tells us that the mature follower of Christ has trained his sense to discern good and evil. \u00a0This, by the way, is one of the reasons the church would do well to be intentional about being intergenerational and nurturing mentoring relationships \u2013 but that\u2019s a different post, for a different time.<\/p>\n

Systems? \u00a0Laws? \u00a0Ultimately, our Ethic comes from following, moment by moment, a person. \u00a0This may not play well in an area where 140 characters is often the extent of expression, and TV images change every 2 seconds or so \u2013 but thoughtful convictions for each situation, born from intimacy with Christ and his followers is the way of wisdom.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"