For some living in Europe during WWII, it would have been illegal to hide one of Jewish descent. Still, some bravely withstood the Gestapo and would lie about housing Jews to save their own lives and the lives of those whom they were hiding. Was this justifiable? This is situational ethics in action. If we look at it from a human perspective, we can easily rationalize and justify the lie (after all, lives are being saved that otherwise would be unrighteously destroyed). Still, God’s word is true (Jn. 17:17, NKJV), and God’s word never justifies a lie based on one’s situation.
One example we find that shows our situation does not justify a lie is seen when Abram attempts to deceive Pharaoh about his relationship with Sarai. Abram feared that if Pharaoh found out that Sarai was his wife, Pharaoh would kill Abram (Gen. 12:12). Because of this fear and desire to save his own life, Abram attempted to deceive Pharaoh by saying Sarai was his sister. Pharaoh ultimately learns that Sarai is Abram’s wife, resulting in Abram and Sarai’s having to leave Egypt (Gen. 12:18-20). Abram did not learn his lesson in this situation, and later does the same thing with Abimelech, king of Gerar (Gen. 20:1ff). Several years later, the same lesson is repeated to Abraham’s son, Isaac (Gen. 26:1ff). In each scenario, Abraham and Isaac are taught a lesson about situational ethics from a pagan. No situation or fear thereof justifies a lie.
Perhaps the primary example that some turn to show that one’s situation can justify a lie is when Rahab lies to the men of Jericho about housing the spies (Josh. 2:3-6). According to what we find in Hebrews 11 and James 2, we learn that Rahab is a great example for us to follow because of her faith (Heb. 11:30-31; Jas. 2:25). Does this mean that we can follow Rahab’s example to lie if it might protect our lives or someone else’s lives? This requires us to stop and think about the situation. When Rahab lied to the king’s men about housing the spies, she was acting as an unbeliever. She knew something of God, but did not fully know Him and what it meant to live for Him (cf. Josh. 2:8-13). She was a Canaanite harlot – her life at this point was not an example to follow. It was at this time, however, that Rahab was beginning to transition from a life lived without faith in God to a life lived with faith in God. Moreover, Rahab is never commended for her lie. The situation does not justify the lie.
Still, some may claim that in the case of saving one’s life or the lives of others, it is okay to tell a lie. That being said, there seems to be a disregard in these moments for faith and trust in God (we will discuss this more in the next article). As challenging as it may be to wrap our minds around, a lie is a lie no matter the situation. Next week, we will examine some thoughts about how we might be able to fight the temptation to lie.
By: Preston McElyea