The Basis of Christian Ethics

Have you ever wondered why we think some things are good and some things bad?  Why, for example, is it wrong to steal from the poor?  Why is it right to give to the poor?  How do we decide what is ethically OK or not OK? 

For most people, the decision is made based on what the general population feels.  However this method poses an obvious problem - society changes its view. Slavery used to be considered perfectly ok a few hundred years ago - now it is considered monstrous.  Homosexuality is now widely accepted where a few hundred years ago it was taboo.  Basing our ethics on the opinions of sinful people who are swayed by all sorts of trends can hardly be the answer.

The answer, according to the Bible, is caught up in relationships.  Our relationships with others, and our relationship with God.  

Ephesians 4:25-32 gives a good outline of Christian ethics, with a number of examples.  The first 4 verses look at four negative behaviors: lying, sinning in anger, stealing and unwholesome talk:

Eph. 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 29 ¶ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 

Paul urges his readers away from such sins, by giving them a reason for repenting - their relationships with the Church.  So, he says, don’t lie because it damages the body of Christ.  Don’t sin in anger because it gives Satan a foothold in relationships.  Work hard, instead of stealing, so you can share with those in need.  Don’t speak unwholesome words, but instead encourage so that you will benefit others.  The basic principle is - if your behavior tears down others, it is wrong.  If it builds up others, it is right.  The focus must be taken off ourselves, and put onto others.  In any situation it is worth me asking - does this action benefit me, or others?  

The second part of Paul’s lesson looks at our relationship with God:

Eph. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

  ‘Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…” he urges us.  He then looks at the way we might respond to someone wronging us.  Don’t respond with bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander and malice, he says, but with kindness and compassion.  His reason for urging this change in behavior is based on God’s character shown in Christ.  He points us to the cross as the source of our forgiveness in Jesus, and commands us to mirror that love in our relationships with others.   

 We would do well to remember Paul’s reasoning in every aspect of our living.  Does it build others up or tear them down?  Is it honoring to God and mirroring his character, or dishonoring and in contrast to his character?