Situational Ethics

Situational ethics has become a common part of modern life. This philosophy assumes that everything is relative, that right and wrong depend on the situation.

This concept was pioneered by Joseph Fletcher who argued that every decision should be based on “the shifting patterns of situations…nothing is inherently good or evil.” Anything may be “right or wrong, according to the situation … and the end justifies the means.”

Many people adopt this attitude. They reject the fact that God is sovereign, and His standards are eternally true. They don’t want anyone, even God, telling them that their actions have consequences. They don’t believe that some things simply are right or wrong all the time. They want to be free to do what they want. If it feels good, do it.

Israelites in the time of Samuel felt this way. They wanted to have a king and be like the people around them. God knew that, with this attitude, they were rejecting Him as their King (vs. 7-9).

How easily we can think like these Israelites by justifying our own decisions and forgetting that God’s Word is eternally true. He measures our lives against His timeless standards.

As you make choices, will you conform to the world and go along with what seems popular? Or will you declare that Jesus is your King? Don’t live according to situational ethics, but according to God’s timeless Word. It always is true.