The Means and The End

Stephen Coffey, the author of several business and motivational books, noted in one book that one should always, “Start with the end in mind.” Seneca, a first century Roman philosopher, stated the same principle, “If an individual knows not what harbor they seek, any wind is the right wind.” Both authors were emphasizing the same truth. If one does not clearly identify one’s goals, one is likely to be pushed by any idea or force to an endless succession of activities that lead to nothing, except activity itself.

For a Christian, the end is Jesus Christ…union with God. Yet many Christians lose sight of the end, becoming enamored with secondary objects, using Christ as a means to justify their activities. C.S. Lewis, in his delightfully engaging and compelling book about temptation, “The Screwtape Letters”, noted that Satan is expert at tempting man into concentrating on non-essential issues, at the expense of man’s relationship with God. Lewis’ Screwtape (Satan’s helper) instructed his fellow devil thusly. “Certainly we do not want man to allow their Christianity to flow into their political life, for the establishment of anything like a really just society would be a major disaster. On the other hand we do want, and want very much, to make men treat Christianity as a means, preferably, of course, as a means to their own advancement, but, failing that, as a means to anything- even to social justice. The thing to do is to get man at first to value social justice as a thing the Enemy (God) demands, and then work him to the stage at which he values Christianity because it may produce social justice.” Lewis’ devil is using a good (social justice) to distract man from his real end – God.  Prayer, the Sacraments, and a personal relationship with Christ have given way to social activism.

Within Catholicism and Christianity in general, there are many who see their roles as simply and primarily as the promoters of social welfare. God and the Church are the means and justification for any of their actions that, in their view, promote their specific social ends. Many members of the clergy in all religions, Christian and Non Christian, have subverted religion as the means to obtain goals that are the creation of man, rather than the work of God. Screwtape is indeed at work here.

The real end for all Christians – Christ – is pushed back into becoming the means.  The truth is that any semblance of social justice will be obtained only by having an absolute love for Christ. Prayer and the sacraments will help man attain that love of Christ and provide man with the courage to remain faithful despite the difficulties and challenges man faces. True justice can be obtained only if the Christian has first developed a sincere and deep relationship with God. Jesus Christ is the end, not the means!

‘If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free.’  Jesus  John 8:31

Suggested Reading:

“The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis, published by Harper SanFrancisco