In Revolutionary War reenactments I’m struck by scenes that depict a disciplined row of red-coated British soldiers conspicuously marching across an open field to engage in an armed conflict. With neither cover nor concealment, they act and dress like a human target! Meanwhile, the New England colonial militia wore plain colored, loose clothing suitable for hunting. The impracticality of a military tactic that will almost certainly lead to death is perplexing.
America is proud of its roots in pragmatism and, to this day, is one of the engines that drives American culture. Sadly, it could be said it is one of the nation’s prominent idols. According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary, pragmatism is a philosophical approach that “assesses the truth of meaning of theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application.” In simpler terms it means “whatever works!”
The whatever works mentality may be fine when squeezing a chewed piece of bubble gum into the hole of a leaky hose, but it’s an inadequate philosophy to bet your soul on. Sadly, that’s exactly what takes place every day. Husbands lie to their wives because, for a while, it works. People cheat on their taxes because, according to their bank statement, it works. Some attend church and are generally kind to others without a true commitment to God because, surely, it will work.
Using “practical outcomes” as the measure of what’s good or true is not entirely without merit. The problem is that most pragmatists are short-sighted. The outcome of not upsetting your wife, getting ahead financially or securing a glowing eulogy are all practical, but short-term victories. On Judgment Day, however, pragmatism will take on an entirely different, long-term perspective. The only practical metric will be a genuine love for Christ that leads to obeying His commandments.
Perhaps you are familiar with the test for a prophet. “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken” (Deut. 18:22). That is a very practical test indeed, but there’s more to the story.
If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. (Deut. 13:1–4)
That is to say, when a friend, a parent or a therapist gives you advice that would seem to “work,” but it contradicts the Bible, it is wrong! Do not listen to that person. Goodness and truth are not measured in temporary positive outcomes but in the permanent reward for obedience to the commands of God.
Abraham told Sarah to lie about their marriage because he thought it would work. Rebekah instructed Jacob to deceive his father because she figured it would work. Ananias and Sapphira misrepresented their faithfulness because they thought it would work.
Joshua’s famous declaration did not include fine print. When he said, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord,” he professed a love that was committed to obeying the Lord, come what may. Never has there been a more eternally pragmatic philosophy.
Is that yours? Do you obey even when it may generate conflict in your relationships, your financial outlook or your reputation? Sin is impractical—always. Pray that God would reorient you from temporary, practical thinking to a permanent, eternal pragmatism.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. (Ps. 119:30)