Right Goal - Wrong Method, Part 2

“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:13-18

History records lamentable incidents - such as the Inquisition and the Crusades - which had seemingly spiritual goals but completely wrong methods. That’s why, once the proper motivation for our goals is established, it is essential that we assess the wisdom of our methods. We must ask ourselves the following questions: “Are my methods in keeping with the revealed will and principles of God as recorded in the Scriptures?”

For instance, a goal of becoming the company president may be set with the proper motivation for leading the business overseas so that the markets abroad can be used as distribution points for Gospel literature. However, accomplishing that goal by manipulating accounting records that falsely increase your sales figures and, thus, mislead others is thoroughly condemned by the Scriptures.           

A second question we must ask is: “Are my methods in any way unjustly harming my fellow man?” If the above individual reaches his goal through slandering an employee who also seeks the same position, his methods are wrong. Examine your methods by observing these standards. When your goal is reached, you can then be sure that God is honored.

“Keep your behavior excellent...” 1 Peter 2:12