Practicality vs. Principle -- Updated

I have been studying Genesis 27 in preparation for Sunday evening Bible Study...fascinating stuff!!! The characters involved in this chapter are Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau. These four comprise the family from which God will continue the promised line. That promised line results in the nation of Israel and eventually our great Savior in human flesh. Looking at the results, it would be safe to assume that this family would be a great example for other families, right? Wrong. Very wrong. Instead, these four characters are a study in the lack of character.

There is one item I would like to point out here (you'll have to come Sunday evening to get the rest ): All four individuals chose to follow what is practical rather than godly principles. As one example, consider scheming, conniving Jacob. Jacob was quite guilty of situational ethics. When his mother proposed stealing the blessing that Isaac was intending to give to Esau, Jacob did not consider whether it was right or wrong, but rather the consequences of getting caught! His worry was the success rate of his mother's plan. Jacob apparently wrestled with consequences of the plan if it failed, but not the morality of the plan.

As Christians we often chastise Jacob for his lack of character--and rightly so. Jacob's life was characterized by deception. But these things were also written as an example for us (see 1 Cor. 10:11). Before we attack Jacob for his choosing what was practical over godly principles we should look at ourselves. We too look at circumstances in light of availability and opportunity. Often, that is our first thought and what is good and righteous is the second.

As a simple example, consider standing in the check-out line of a store paying for your product. You hand the cashier the money, and the cashier then hands you the change. As you are walking out of the store you realize that the cashier gave you too much money. What is your thought process? If it was just a few cents, you would probably think that it is such a small amount that it doesn't matter. But suppose it were a dollar, or even a five dollar bill. Would you think about what to do? Friends, if we spend even a few seconds thinking about whether or not to keep the money--pennies or dollars--are we not following Jacob's example and choosing practicality over principle? It seems to me that our society has been "jacobized." Sadly, Christians fit that label as well.

May I broach another sensitive subject as an example of practicality vs. principle? We are entering what may be the most commercial time of the year in the Christmas holiday season. During this time adults (both Christians and non-Christians) all over the world tell their children about jolly St. Nick and his drive to deliver gifts to all the good children of the world. If I may be so bold--how is that any different than Jacob telling his father Isaac that he was really Esau, or that God had provided the game for his meal quickly (both were lies)? Why do Christians find it necessary to lie to their children for the sake of practicality? When will we learn that God desires principled, obedient, trusting, and righteous actions at all times regardless of the situations or opportunities?