The Means and the End

Does the end ever justify the means? Seems like a simple question with a simple answer, right? I mean, I’ve pretty much been told all my life that the end doesn’t justify the means. I’ve heard that so often, it has become received wisdom, an oracle passed down from the elders, not to be questioned or doubted. Except, I do. In fact, I do more than question and doubt. I categorically reject that statement in its absolute form. Sometimes, often, the end does justify the means.

We talk a lot about the cost of achieving some goal we have set for ourselves—personally, professionally, nationally, etc. When we do, we often use a phrase that is a kissing cousin to the idea of the end justifying the means. When faced with a (usually negative) consequence for some choice we’ve made, we’ll frequently say something long the lines of well, that’s the price we pay for . . . and then we fill in the blank as appropriate. It’s another way of saying the end justifies the means. And you know what? Sometimes it does.

--Eight people died during our race with the Soviet Union to get to the moon. Was it worth it?

--Three hundred soldiers died liberating Kuwait. Worthwhile trade? Would you feel differently if you were a Kuwaiti?

--Over twenty million soldiers died (not counting civilians) during WWII. A lot of people think that was a price worth paying.

In the spiritual arena, think of the price so many believers have paid, and continue to pay, for taking up the cross of Christ? Think of the cost to you, personally. I feel like I’m on safe ground asking you to consider that question, because Christ did the same thing (Luke 14:28). Once the cost is counted, then we can decide for ourselves if the end justifies the means. The Rich Young Ruler counted and said no. So did Judas. It took a while, but Peter counted and said yes. So did Paul. There are many who perform the calculus of faith and make their choices based on their own figuring. You and I will do, are doing, the same every day.

Jesus himself had to weigh cost versus reward, didn’t he? He had to decide if the end (the joy set before him) justified the means (enduring the cross) (Hebrews 12:2). It wasn’t an easy calculation, either. A night of bloody, tear-filled agony in the garden is evidence enough of that. I’m grateful for his choice, for his sacrifice, but I’m left with a burning question I’m required to answer anew every day. Given that I could never in myself accomplish the end that Christ made available to me, and given that my free will can make his sacrifice, his means, of no effect, the question that remains is this:

Will MY end justify HIS means?