Our Pragmatic Age
We live in a very pragmatic age. This is to say that a lot of what we say and do comes down to the question, “Is it practical?” This means what we judge to be right or wrong is measured in practical terms such as money, time, or usefulness. Don’t get me wrong, being practical certainly has its benefits. I’m a fan of saving some money for a rainy day. I also like it when my automobile operates effectively. However, is it possible to take the principle of practicality too far?
Are your choices driven by pragmaticism?
We take the principle of practicality too far when it comes to preferring things above people. Have you ever noticed that there is a point where, due to concerns for time, money, or usefulness, we will end relationships? What are we saying when we do this? Have we said that our friends and/or family are only worth so much? Are we saying that we really don’t want to spend time with them? Are we saying that if someone isn’t useful to me then he/she can’t be my friend? What are we really saying?
Pragmatism is a false philosophy that places utility above everything else. It defines truth in terms of whether something works. It defines the good by whatever produces results. Our culture has bought into pragmatism hook, line, and sinker, and that is one of the reasons why we don’t value other people as highly as we should. Jesus did not subscribe to this false philosophy. He valued people for their true and eternal worth. He refused to define them in terms of temporal/earthly value. Jesus loved people so much that He shed His blood for them (1 Peter 1:18-19). Do we see people like Jesus saw them? God bless you, and I love you.