My beloved friend sent out a query to a few friends this evening, and I wanted a place to store my response, as I intend to develop it into an essay of sorts. So, here it is, beginning with my friend's question, for those interested:
I'm writing a paper on tragic moral choice. Let me know your thoughts...
There is a pounding on the door. Suddenly, the door gives way and the room is filled with armed Gestapo. Pointing their guns at the Christians inside, they harshly demand, "Where are the Jews?"
What is the Christian to do? Yes, the Jews are hidden in the attic; but to admit this would mean certain death of the innocent women and children hidden there, while to deny that there are Jews hidden there would be a lie, a breaking of God's commandment. To lie or to submit the innocent to death, which should the Christian choose?
My response:
Hmm... I have struggled with this many a time, my friend.
The immediate thought for me would be to lie and protect the innocent in my care. After all, the Egyptian midwives were blessed by the Lord after lying to Pharaoh just as Rahab was spared by hiding the Israelite spies.
But at the same time, our Father declares that He will never, ever place His precious children in temptation without also providing a way of escape. To me, the interpretation of that verse indicates that God never places us in circumstances in which our only option is to sin.
Then, I also consider the experiences we read of other than those outlined in the Bible. Corrie Ten Boom's The Hiding Place comes to mind. Both Corrie and her sister, Nollie, were called to hide hunted Jews in their homes; however, Corrie refused to admit that Jews were living behind her bedroom wall, while Nollie and her children refused to lie. And the Lord blessed them both in their endeavors!
*sigh* What to do? Given the situation you described, perhaps I would simply refuse to answer the question. Whatever the circumstances, I constantly pray that, when called upon to undergo such interrogation, the Lord would pour out His favor and that the Spirit would fill my lips with the words He deems fit. I think that this is the only way to ensure that we properly honor the Lord in the moment.
Well, that's my two cents worth for right now...
Love you so much!
Jane Ellen
P.S. Don't you like how I effortlessly outlined the two differing sides of the argument and yet never cast my lot with either one? Call me a temporary fence-sitter, but I have yet to make up my mind on this question, though I've pondered it many an hour.
Thoughts, anyone?
3 comments:
I've thought about this many a time! And let's just say my backside is getting weary of sitting on that (not-very-comfortable) fence. :-) If the lie were to protect myself, it would be easy to stand firmly on the "Absolutely not" side. But what about other people, especially people who are in real danger and are trusting me to help them. *sigh* Looks like I'll be sitting (another) spell on that fence! ;-)
Love,
Shannon
I think we will never know until we are in the particular situation, and then God will grant us the wisdom in the moment...like you compared Corrie & Nollie, they both were blessed. It is hard as a Christian to speculate when we have never been in that position ourselves, especially when other (possible non-believers) live's are in consideration.
What a wonderful thought provoking post JE!
Thanks so much,
Katrina
I feel that I would conceal them because it would break my heart to submit such innocent people to such a cruel fate.I believe the most merciful and decent thing to do would have been to help them because after all we are to always help our neighbors no matter who they are. I would have stood true to this resove to the end.
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