“All is fair in love and war,” so goes the old saying, and these days it seems politics can be added to that list. The attitude appears to be that if something will advance one’s selfish interests, then it is acceptable: “There is nothing new thing under the sun” (Eccl. 1:9).
Consider Rahab the harlot (Josh. 2:1, 3; 6:17, 23, 25). Critics of the Bible often point to her as an inconsistency in Scripture. Some will ask how one like her could be listed in faith’s hall of fame (Heb. 11:31). Why did she act as she did in hiding the spies? She examined the evidence of God’s works and concluded—correctly—that Israel was being blessed by Him (Josh. 2:9–10). Did she act truthfully with the king of Jericho (2:3–4)? Was her deception the right thing to do (Exod. 20:16; Rev. 21:8)? No, it was not. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of the matter, whether good or bad. She was recognized for her faithful works (James 2:25). Is this a case of situational ethics?
A TBC student recently summed it up well: “I believe Rahab’s lie was done in ignorance because she was not privy to the law of Moses, and God would have accepted her repentance as she grew in faith and obedience.” What else do we know about Rahab? She and her household were saved by Israel. Did she become an Israelite—a dedicated follower of God? We cannot say she did not, because Scripture does not reveal it. God simply said she acted in faith.
Consider Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–10). Why did they give as they did? Could it be that they saw the attention given to the dedication of others (Acts 4:37) and wanted to deceive in order to gain attention for themselves? Did they act truthfully? No, they did not, and they received the death penalty for their deceit. Why were they not listed among the faithful? Because they acted out of an evil heart of unbelief.
This brings us to situational ethics—“the end justifies the means.” It seems to be prevailing in this country. Does God endorse such a view? Certainly not. Does the Bible present it as the right thing to do? Does faith stand upon a lie? The consistent principle taught in the word of God is: tell the truth. If you cannot tell the truth, say nothing at all. There are ways to redirect a conversation when one is pressured to lie. The best way to answer is the way Jesus did—by responding with Scripture (Matt. 4).
Some say they are “speaking their truth.” If everyone has their own truth, then there is no truth at all. Truth is truth. God’s word is truth (John 17:17). Real, objective truth exists, and we can know it. It emanates from the One who is all truth—God. “Let God be true, and every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4). Jesus said there is truth, and we can know it and be free (John 8:32).
David Hill
President
Tennessee Bible College