Ends & Means

The Question: An online survey asked: "Does the end justify the means?"

The Response: When we speak of our God and His attributes, promises, etc., it is possible to speak in absolute terms. I offer these examples:

We can say absolutely that God is holy for He has made that known to us. (Revelation 4:8).

We can say absolutely that God is jealous, for He has made that known to us. (Exodus 34:14).

We can say absolutely that God is unchangeable, for He has made that known to us (Malachi 3:6)

In reply to the question--Does the end justify the means--a few folks responded by checking "No, never." That response expresses an absolute. When we speak of worldly things, however; I believe that there are few absolutes.  In explanation, I offer these examples:

 In many societies, certainly in America, law protects a person's property. It is illegal to knowingly take what belongs to another. Similarly, in our society, law protects a person's home; strangers may not enter into our homes uninvited nor take that which is ours (unless they have a court order to do so).

What if, as I were driving down a residential street, I should see a child clinging to a tree branch, having fallen from a higher branch? The child is crying out that he cannot hold on much longer; but he is too far above the ground for me to reach him, even standing on the roof of my car. As I look around for help, I see am extension ladder in the open garage of the house next door. I rush into the garage and take the ladder, which use to bring the child safely down from his precarious perch.

In this example, I have entered a private dwelling uninvited and taken out something that did not belong to me. It would appear that I have violated at least two provisions of the law under which we live. Should I be charged with illegal entry and theft? I doubt that anyone would file charges against me or arrest me for my actions; would not the end have justified the means?

I cannot say how God would view these actions (Exodus 20:15)

As an example of ends and means, I ask you to consider this real-life situation: I am very much in opposition to the so-called civil right of women to abortion-on-demand. A number of years ago, I was active in the Pro-Life Movement. I participated in vigils and peaceful demonstrations outside abortion clinics. I picketed the homes of abortionists and devoted time and financial resources to teaching the sanctity of life and what I believe to be the great evils involved in abortion-on-demand. My teaching ministry took me to schools and churches in South-Central Texas and into many areas in Mexico. During my four active years in the movement, I was blessed to hold in my arms a number of babies who had been destined to die on an abortionist's table. The mothers of these children would tell me how they had been moved to not abort their unborn babies. I choose to believe that the Lord moved in their hearts. I also believe that the end justified the means (picketing, demonstrating, educating, praying).

I cannot say how our Lord will judge my peaceful involvement in the Pro-Life Movement, but my hope is that He will approve.

I left the Movement when more radical elements began using violent means to oppose abortion-on-demand. Some of these folks saw nothing wrong in breaking into abortion clinics to destroy or damage the facilities. Others supported the use of firebombs to destroy the clinics and/or assassination to end the activities of abortionists. There were break-ins, firebombs and even assassinations, but did they end abortion-on-demand? Did they cause even one expectant mother to eschew abortion, or did women simply go elsewhere to seek a violent end to unwanted pregnancies? Who knows? In these cases, did the end (the possibility that some women might abandon their decision to abort) justify the means (arson/destruction of property/murder). I believe that the only answer to that question must be a resounding, “No!”

I cannot say how the Lord will view these actions (Exodus 20:13; Romans 12:19).