Can you be an unethical person and be a follower of Jesus?

Every human being, at some time (many times!) in their lives have been faced with ethical dilemmas.

We face them just about every day!

Perhaps, though, not usually as profound as this ethical dilemma Klyne Snodgrass describes in “Between Two Truths – Living With Biblical Tensions”:

One of the most famous trials in history was that of Benjamin Francois Courvoisier in London in 1840, who is now immortalized in Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. Courvoisier was a Swiss valet accused of slicing the throat of his elderly employer, Lord William Russell. What made this trial notorious was the argument for the defense. The police had bungled the investigation. The evidence against Courvoisier was entirely circumstantial or had been planted. One of the officers had perjured himself, and the maid’s testimony brought suspicion on herself. The defense attorney, Charles Phillips, was convinced of the innocence of Courvoisier and cross-examined witnesses aggressively. At the beginning of the second day of the trial, however, Courvoisier confessed privately to his lawyer that he had committed the murder. When asked if he were going to plead guilty, he replied to Charles Phillips, “No, sir, I expect you to defend me to the utmost.”

Phillips was faced with a dilemma. Should he declare to the court that the man was guilty, or should he defend Courvoisier as best he could? Should he break the confidentiality of the client-lawyer relationship, or should he help a guilty man to possibly go free? Which is more important — truth or professional duty?

Phillips decided to defend the guilty man. But despite Phillips’s efforts, Courvoisier was convicted. When the dilemma was later made public, Phillips’s decision to defend a murderer horrified British society and brought him a great deal of criticism.

Over and over again, on most days, we’re challenged to consider what is the right thing to do about a situation or a decision we must make.

Welcome to the issue of ethics.

A summary of definitions you might find in dictionaries for “ethics” has been stated as follows:

“Ethics refers to a set of moral principles, a theory or system of moral values, or a consciousness of moral importance. It encompasses questions of what is morally good and bad, right and wrong, and guides conduct and character traits. While morals often describe individual values, ethics extends to broader questions of correct behavior within specific contexts or areas of activity. In essence, ethics explores the nature of morality and the principles governing moral evaluation. Remember, ethics is the discipline concerned with what is morally right and wrong, and it plays a crucial role in shaping our actions and decisions.”

Ethics is of such vital importance and concern that many professions, businesses, organizations, institutions, and even some churches have developed and published a code or standard of ethics. Of course, just having a code of ethics doesn’t mean the standards are adhered to, but it’s important to most of us that they are, isn’t it?

Just ask your self:

Do you want an unethical mechanic working on – and then billing you for – your car repairs?

Do you want the people who teach your children to work in that profession from a standard of ethics?

What about your attorney?

Or your banker?

Or your lawyer?

Your doctor?

Your minister or counselor?

And what about your spouse?

Your children?

Your friends and neighbors?

Of critical importance is from what framework or source are the ethics a person may practice derived from. Research on ethics gives us some interesting insights as to how some individuals may craft the ethics they practice:

Moral licensing. Studies show that performing good deeds can lead people to engage in unethical behavior afterwards, believing they have “earned” the right to act poorly. This highlights the complex nature of ethical decision-making.

Moral dilemmas and decision-making. Studies show that when faced with moral dilemmas, people often rely on intuitive emotional responses rather than deliberate reasoning, highlighting the role of emotions in ethical decision-making.

The role of empathy in moral reasoning. Studies suggest that empathy plays a crucial role in moral reasoning and prosocial behavior, as individuals who are more empathetic tend to exhibit higher levels of ethical sensitivity and concern for others’ well-being.

The bystander effect. Research suggests people are less likely to intervene in an emergency situation if they see others present, assuming someone else will act. This has implications for promoting social responsibility and encouraging intervention in unethical situations.

Framing effects. People’s ethical decisions can be influenced by how information is presented. Studies show phrasing an issue in terms of gains can lead to more risk-taking behavior compared to framing it as avoiding losses.

The trolley problem. This thought experiment explores the ethical dilemma of sacrificing one person to save several — should an autonomous vehicle prioritize the safety of its passengers or pedestrians?. Studies using brain imaging suggest the decision involves a complex interplay between emotional and rational processing.

Cultural differences in ethics. Research shows variations in ethical reasoning across cultures. For example, some cultures emphasize individual rights, while others prioritize group harmony when making ethical decisions. Understanding these differences is crucial for navigating ethical issues in a globalized world.

So, if ethics really are important, the framework or source from which we derive any ethics we may practice is of paramount importance. For the Christian, that source is the Bible, from which we derive biblical (or Christian) ethics. Steven West, in an essay on Christian ethics for The Gospel Coalition, expounds on the Bible as the source for Christian ethics:

“Evangelical Christians should not find it controversial to say that the Scriptures —– God’s Word — is our authority and standard for ethics, just as it is for theology. This is because God is our ultimate authority and standard. There cannot be a higher standard for ethics than God, not because he is all-powerful, but because he is the source of goodness itself. Moral goodness is defined by the nature of God, and everything he commands is in accordance with his perfect and righteous goodness. We must obey every word of God because every word he gives us flows from his character, and his character is infinite and absolute moral perfection. God does not measure himself against an abstract standard of goodness; he does not consult anything other than his own nature when he issues commands and moral rules. His moral commands are not arbitrary and they could not be other than what they are since they are based on God’s unchanging moral goodness. Since God’s commands are found in Scripture, the Bible is our authority for ethics.”

One writer attempted a definition of biblical ethics as follows:

“Biblical ethics encompasses the principles, precepts, and guidelines found throughout the Bible that direct our conduct and character. It is concerned with how we should live in alignment with what is right, good, and God-honoring. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures provide ethical instruction, emphasizing love for God and others. Rather than being a mere external code, biblical ethics springs from the heart, guided by the indwelling Spirit and the law written within us.”

Scripture not only reveals God’s way of salvation but also trains us in righteousness and equips us for good works. As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. While Christians may still struggle with temptation toward unethical behavior, disciples of Jesus are new creations in Christ who strive to follow in the righteous and holy footsteps of their Lord:

“Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people — none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

“May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you,” Psalm 25:21.

Developing biblical ethics comes from consistently engaging in spiritual disciplines and practices routinely encouraged for all who are disciples of Jesus, and would include:

Seek God’s will. Begin by praying and studying the Scriptures. Trust in God’s Word and seek His guidance. Learn to yield to, and cooperate with, the leading of the Holy Spirit rather than grieving the Spirit.

Understand the moral dilemma. Identify the issue and consider its consequences. Gather relevant information about available options.

Consult scripture. Find biblical teaching and examples that align with your choices, or heed biblical instruction that would lead you to change what would be your initial desire. Consider love for others, truth, justice, grace, righteousness, and holiness.

Pray for wisdom. Ask for discernment and clarity. Seek wisdom from God as you navigate ethical decisions.

Seek wise Christian counsel. Consult with a church leader, family, church family, or friends who share your commitment to following in the footsteps of Jesus. Their insights can provide valuable guidance.

Fellowship. Surround yourself with fellow Christians who share similar biblical values and can offer support and accountability.

Consider the consequences. Weigh short-term and long-term effects of your choices. Be mindful of unintended impacts.

Follow through. Make the ethical choice based on your discernment. Accept responsibility and, if needed, genuinely repent.

Reflection. Regularly reflect on personal actions and choices, aligning them with biblical teachings and seeking improvement.

Would the people who know you best describe you as a biblically ethical person? Would they say you’re a person of integrity?

Scotty

P.S. To go deeper into living life as a person of integrity, I invite you to check out my book, “Being A Person of Integrity,” which you can find here.