Sermon On The Golden Mean

Potter Stewart, a former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States once remarked: “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 reminds us: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

Ethics are defined as the principles of conduct governing an individual or group. It can include a consciousness of moral importance or principles. The Golden Mean is a philosophical term that considers an approach to ethics that emphasizes finding the appropriate medium or an acceptable compromise, between two extremes. Harry Day, a former world war fighter ace is reputed to have once remarked: “Rules are for the obeyance of fools, and the guidance of wise men.” Obeying rules to the exact letter of the law in every antithesis can become considerably limiting in scope, and could deter some from using common instincts of sense, precaution, humanity, and care.

When driving a car in the United Kingdom, and approaching traffic lights, if the light turns to amber just as you reach them, the law states that you must stop. You may only proceed if you have passed the stop line, or are so close to it that to stop would likely cause an accident. In theory, this may appear a viable and safe solution to which one should attempt to adhere. However, in reality, this can cause problems. The question could be asked: “Who or what determines when it is prudent to accede to this rule or ignore it?” It really depends on several prevailing factors, the condition of the road, whether it is wet or dry, the impetuosity and impatience of other drivers, and other significant circumstances. Some traffic lights have a quick change sequence, which means that, a driver stands a greater risk of actually crossing the intersection when the light has turned red. It might be wiser to consider a flashing amber light that continues for a few seconds before going static to warn drivers of an impending stop signal. However, as per usual, it comes down to personal choice, and every individual thinks differently. The golden mean needs to be applied quite frequently, but extremely carefully. Galatians 5:7 reminds us: “You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?”

Most religions abide by moral codes of practice. They are often considered as a set of defined rules, laws or commandments that members are expected to adhere to. In Christianity, the Ten Commandments are often deemed as the basic guide or foundation stone that define the ideal Godly principles of life. Rules, whether or not they apply to the highway or religion, can often be considered as tests of obedience. Genesis 22:1-14 quotes a typical example of obedience to God. It reminds us: After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.

On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.

When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”