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| Image by curtlandry.com |
When I was taking an online writing course, the instructor asked us to critique each others’ articles, pairing us in sequence as to when we posted our finished assignments (#1 with #2; #3 with #4, etc). I posted mine the evening of the deadline. Later, I looked at the sequence. I was #8, and Jeremy (a pseudonym) was #7. I read his article and discovered it was soft porn. “Oh no!” I said. I had inadvertently placed myself in an ethical dilemma.
I wondered: How could I in all conscience justifiably critique his article? I knew he was an excellent writer stylistically and creatively, and I could give supportive comments in these areas. But how could I as a Christ-follower address his content? How could I even honour my Lord in this situation? I went to bed that night with the question still heavy on my mind.
Next morning I opened my course information to my instructor’s pairing. I was surprised! She had departed from her usual sequence and had partnered me instead with another writer whose theme and topic were similar to mine.
God had graciously stepped in and honoured my need and desire for integrity.
When I look back on that experience, I think of the verse: “I removed the burden from her shoulders” (Psalm 81:6) I know that God sometimes asks us to confront an ethical dilemma head-on. But sometimes He changes the situation and we don’t have to deal with it at all. We’re free. And our response is to thank and honour Him in return.
