Many in the world today would describe these two words, Christian ethics, as an oxymoron (you know, like jumbo shrimp, freezer burn, same difference,etc). They’ve seen too many examples of “Christians” acting in ways that were most definitely unethical. They don’t see  Christian ethics as any different from their own. If fact, many non-Christians could rightly argue they demonstrate more ethics than many of the Christians they know, or read about.

Don’t know about you, but this makes me sad and just a little angry. Sad that it’s come to the point where Christian ethics could be considered a valid oxymoron. Angry that Christian leaders have not done a better job living out Biblical ethics. Coming out of the secular business world, I was accustomed to dealing with folks whose ethics were not what they should be. Trust was something that had to earned and maintained, not freely given (Unfortunately I learned this in the school of hard knocks!).

However, coming to work in a ministry business, I thought (perhaps naively) ethical behavior would be a given. Unfortunately that has not always been the case. If we, as Christian leaders, can’t live out our Christian ethics, why should we expect the world to listen to us? For that matter, why should other Christians listen to us, much less follow our leadership?

These thoughts all really came to a head this morning as I was reading in Romans. Paul has given us the blueprint for what Christian ethics should look like. In fact, in my Bible, “Christian Ethics” was the heading above the passage. It’s a passage I’ve ready many times, but today it just jumped off the page and I felt compelled to share it with you.

“Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead leave room for His wrath.”           Romans 12:9-18

Take time to think about this question today. Are my ethics a reflection of Christ, or are they an oxymoron?