Under His Construction

• Jul. 12, 2008 - Does the end justify the means? A lesson from Robin Hood

Interesting - we have been reading Robin Hood lately and while it has served to fit my purpose for reading it with the kids, which was to give them a look into the time period, the story itself has few other redeeming qualities. Robin Hood and his Merry Men were nothing more than glorified thieves that outwitted the authorities time and again. I must admit though that in spite of ourselves the kids and I often found ourselves laughing at the antics of the green gang and I truly loved Disney's version of the story as a kid, but the truth remains that no matter what Robin was doing with the money he robbed the corrupt men of, he was stealing and this is sin. As we read the story I was reminded of King Saul when He disobeyed God but tried to justify his disobedience with sacrifice.
Oh how often I do this very same thing, trying so hard to justify my words or actions when in fact what I did was in disobedience. I try so hard to convince myself that I had the very best in mind and so it was okay to share that bit of private information since now maybe others will pray for them, or laugh at the crude joke because I did not want to offend, or lie in order to not hurt feelings, or, or, or..... I often see my children do this very same thing - forever trying to come up with a 'good' excuse for their actions. "Mom, I didn't do what you asked because I was making you a present" or "Mom, I yelled angrily at my brother because I was trying to stop him from disobeying you!"
No matter whether we a robbing the rich to give to the poor or gossiping in the name of a prayer request, the principle remains the same: Obedience is better than sacrifice. The end will never justify the means - the means always needs to be in accordance with the Word of God.
Samuel says it all when he asked Saul "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams." (1 Sam. 15:22)

• Jul. 14, 2008 - Obedience

Posted by Anonymous

"Obedience is better than sacrifice..." I love this Scripture SO much. It really speaks God's heart, and how much he desires purity in his servants. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

When we were in England, we actually hiked through Sherwood Forest. Right in the middle is the "Major Oak"... a huge, ancient tree. I wonder if Robin Hood and his band of merry crooks really saw it?

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• Jul. 15, 2008 - great insight

Posted by Jennifer in OR

Hard to swallow! I often find myself in an "end justifies the means" situation. Here's a tough question: you are hiding Jews during the Holocaust, and the Nazis come knocking on your door, asking if you are boarding any Jews. Do you lie, and save their lives, or tell the truth, and the Jews (and probably yourself as well) are killed?

As I think of this hypothetical question, I don't think I could possibly tell the truth in this situation - I would lie and say "No." I know this is a little different than what you're saying in this post; it's an extreme situation. But, what do you think?

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• Jul. 23, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Jennifer,
I was thinking about that same example. Great minds think alike. Ha!

I think it has to be a decision of conscious. Corrie ten Boom lied to the police. When her sister did not the police thought she was lying and left.

We have a law not bear false witness, but we also have a law stating, "Love your neighbor as yourself." It is not loving to send your neighbor to the gas chambers to appease a tyrant.

I'm not sure about Robin Hood. How do you resist an illegitimate government? The kingdom was usurped and the prince was stealing from King John's subjects. Gets complicated, doesn't it, but I enjoy the challenge. :) (However, maybe not this late at night. :P)

Peace to you,
Renae
http://lifenurturingeducation.com/

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• Jul. 23, 2008 - thanks, Renae

Posted by Jennifer in OR

Renae, thanks for the input on this! I think what you're saying is that when two laws conflict, you defer to God's law. I agree.
www.diaryof1.com

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• Jul. 24, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Right, Jennifer. A law isn't lawful unless it fits in with God's law. However, it can be a difficult decision to make.

Obviously, the whole deny your faith or die thing is extreme and in a sense easy. (not to do, but to decide) But what about other decisions that aren't so blatant affronts against faith in God?

What if it is against the law to homeschool or have more than one child? I pray for grace and wisdom for those who have to make such decisions. And I'll continue working to assure my children will have liberty as they grow.

And thanks for sparking the discussion, Mandi. :) I know this debate wasn't the point of your article, but it just got me thinking. I do make way too many excuses for my bad behavior. I need the reminders to examine my actions.

Peace to you,
Renae
http://lifenurturingeducation.com/

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• Jul. 25, 2008 - Thank you

Posted by onecrazymom

I love the discussion my post led to - thank you Jen and Renae for your thought provoking questions and comments. I have stewed over this and still don't feel that I have an answer completely because my logic in justifying a lie always leads me to other scenarios where I would also have to justify deceit. Does that make sense? I know that my conscience would forbid me doing anything other than what Corey did.
As far as Robin Hood - he truly made a decision to live this sinful lifestyle - from what I read he also benefited from his thievery as well. I do not believe that my conscience would have allowed me to go along with this.
My dad pointed out two instances in the OT where a women used deceit and was honored - the lady who hid the spies and the one who fought with Deborah.
So here are my questions: Does the spirit of the law supersede the law itself in certain situations where the only loving option is to violate the law? And if so then I guess we would have to say that sometimes, yes, the end does justify the means right?

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• Jul. 25, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Jesus summed up the law as love God and love your neighbor. Love is the law, but I think the question is how to apply it. Ms. Dang (I think it was her) discussed making decisions of conscious. I'll see if I can find those notes.

One thing that is comes to mind is the idea that we have a right to protect our own life. Thus, we should protect the lives of others if it is within our power.

I don't think that is the same thing as saying, "The ends justify the means." I bet that comes from a pragmatic view of existence based on humanism.

Anyway, I'll get back with you after I find some more information.

I do think that love trumps things we consider law, but that might sound more radical than I mean it.

Peace to you,
Renae
http://lifenurturingeducation.com

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