Articles
The Pragmatism of Godliness
Pragmatism: “a reasonable and logical way of doing things or of thinking about problems that is based on dealing with specific situations instead of on ideas and theories” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). In short, pragmatism seeks what “works” in a given situation or what effectively accomplishes the goal at hand.
All people are pragmatic to a degree; we all seek the most effective way to handle finances, resolve issues, achieve educational goals, etc. But what is missing from pure pragmatism is a moral foundation. Instead of doing what is right, the pragmatist often seeks to do what he thinks is in his own best interest – regardless of the impact on others (or even the true impact upon himself).
All actions are not morally equivalent. Making money by selling illegal drugs is not the moral equivalent to cleaning houses. The pragmatist might say, “I can make a whole lot more money moving drugs, in a much shorter time, than I ever could in a real job.” That may be true, but it isn’t the whole story. And this is where Satan most effectively uses our pragmatic tendencies against us: he persuades us to act in an ungodly way because it achieves the goal we desire, but he doesn’t tell us the whole truth about the consequences that follow.
What has befallen newscaster Brian Williams, and what is now unfolding with Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald, are perfect examples. Both have been caught lying about their past experiences, exaggerating and fabricating their stories in order to achieve something they desired: to gain credibility, to impress others, to feel more relevant or to satisfy some other objective. In a given moment, faced with a decision to tell the truth or to lie, each decided that lying was more useful. What they didn’t think about was the potential fallout when and if the lie was exposed.
Yet the final word on what should determine our behavior, Scripture, gives clear moral guidance in this area: “Therefore, putting away lying, each one speak truth with his neighbor …” (Eph 4:25). Scripture also gives many examples of the pragmatic inadvisability of lying, one of which is the Amalekite who lied about killing Saul, thinking he would be praised. Instead, David executed him (2 Sam 1:1-16).
In situations where our options are purely matters of judgment, of course we will try to determine which is more practical and effective. Fly or drive? Apple or Dell? VT or UVA? But often such choices have moral components that are not so obvious: Is there a viable church near where I wish to study for my degree? Am I neglecting my wife or children’s need in some way to pay for the Apple?
On the flip side, doing right isn’t always pragmatically painless. Barronelle Stutzman, a Washington state florist, was criminally charged for not providing flowers for a lesbian wedding. She was offered a deal by the state attorney general’s office to settle the case, but she refused saying: “You are asking me to walk in the way of a well-known betrayer, one who sold something of infinite worth for 30 pieces of silver. That is something I will not do.” She faces prosecution, heavy fines and attorney’s fees.
While sin may seem the preferable course in the moment, doing right always has the pragmatic benefit of securing God’s approval. Further, as Proverbs abundantly demonstrates, the right thing is often the wisest choice in practical terms as well.
