Obvious Perception

I was just thinking about - - -

One of the abilities that we all possess to one degree or another is that of perception. In Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, we find this definition of perception: “To obtain knowledge of through the senses; to take cognizance of the existence, character, or identity of, by means of the senses; to see, hear, or feel; To take intellectual cognizance of; to apprehend by the mind; to be convinced of by direct intuition; to note; to remark; to discern; to see; to understand.”

However, we are part of the generation that parses the meaning of the obvious to an extreme. When a scandal was unfolding in the White House regarding immoral and indecent acts, the defense offered by the offender was – “it all depends on what ‘is’ is”! This kind of approach is a product of the Situation Ethic way of interpreting life in general and one’s behavior in particular. Situational Ethics was pioneered by Joseph Fletcher (1905-1991). According to Fletcher's model, he states that decision-making should be based upon the circumstances of a particular situation, and not upon fixed Law. The only absolute is Love. Love should be the motive behind every decision. As long as Love is your intention, the end justifies the means. Justice is not in the letter of the Law, it is in the distribution of Love.

The error in Fletcher’s approach, as well as with most well-intentioned and fanciful approaches to life, is the failure to observe context on the one hand, and result on the other. For instance, Fletcher's model of Situational Ethics appears reasonable on the surface, yet given careful consideration, its flaw becomes apparent. Situational Ethics is based upon "God is Love" in I John 4:8. However, in the very next chapter we read, "This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (I John 5:3). Obviously, there are set and fixed boundaries for all of life and for every action or involvement. Personal drive, ambition, determination all must fit into and comply with the fixed boundaries. Otherwise, there would be bedlam, chaos and discordant disruption.

The political times we are enduring are just a passing example of this view of life. Tim Russert of NBC News stated following the Primary in Indiana this past Tuesday: "We now know who the Democratic nominee's going to be, and no one's going to dispute it…Those closest to her will give her a hard-headed analysis, and if they lay it all out, they'll say: 'What is the rationale? What do we say to the undeclared super delegates tomorrow? Why do we tell them you're staying in the race?' And tonight, there's no good answer for that." However, the “her” is undaunted and believes there is nothing but Green Lights ahead in her quest and journey toward the White House.

Just this one additional thought regarding an “obvious perception” that goes unnoticed and is seldom observed from Proverbs 21:1-6 (KJV): “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turns it wherever He will. Every way of a man (or woman) is right in his/her own eyes: but the LORD ponders the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. A lofty look, and a proud heart…is sin…The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that find (seek) death.”

Think about this with me - - -