Pragmatic Paralysis

I was just thinking about - - -

It appears that there is a lack of people of principle, and those who have sufficient backbone to be willing to die for what is right – for that for which compromise is unacceptable. Some of the definitions for “Pragmatism” state the issue clearly for us. Pragmatism is: (1) a philosophical movement or system having various forms, but generally stressing practical consequences as constituting the essential criterion in determining meaning, truth, or value; (2) A practical, matter-of-fact way of approaching or assessing situations or of solving problems; and (3) the attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth…

The way this generally works is that accommodations are made and compromises embraced to allow “the end justifies the means” in most issues of life. This, of course, minimizes uniformity based upon structure of any sort and a permissiveness that found some expression in “I’m OK – you’re OK!” approach to life. Some years ago, Debbie Boone sang a popular song that embraced such a philosophy. The lyric that was heard everywhere was: “…You light up my life; You give me hope to carry on. You light up my days and fill my nights with song. It can't be wrong when it feels so right - 'Cause You, You light up my life. The words: “It can’t be wrong when it feels so right…” are at the heart of lifestyle and thought patterns of our culture today.

Anyone involved in the field of engineering knows how important it is to have a clear understanding of the principles of Form and Function. With the right embrace of Form and Function, the result will always be satisfactory. The engineer follows particular principles of structure in order to achieve a desired and successful result. The Design requires absolutes and sound principles and values regarding Structure.

The Apostle Paul states this principle in terms of acceptable and attainable lifestyle – that which is guided by Form and Function principles. To achieve the desired and successful result, the principles must be adhered to without compromise or adaptation. There is no room here for the Chameleon Syndrome to kick in and dominate one’s thinking and action. In Philippians 4:8 (NIV), Paul states: “Finally…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” And Verse 9 (NLY): “Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.”

There is risk that as one tries to be all things to all men, he becomes one who is a nobody for anyone. Too much vacillation serves no one efficiently, effectively or well. It amounts to whether or not one desires to be “liked” by a lot of people, or one who is a person of principle and is respected because of sound direction and policy. It’s a choice that must be made! Without absolutes, how reliable can one be?

Think about that with me - - -