To summarize, Christian ethics recognizes that the vast majority of humans are neither "wicked" nor "angelic" but fall somewhere in between on the moral continuum. Christian ethics also acknowledges that it is difficult to be holy-just-loving, not only because of human foibles but also because worldly institutions and systems are marred. This brings us back to the case involving Abe, Barb and Carl. Economic realities require that the budget be cut. In God's original plan for a perfect world, such a decision would no doubt have been unnecessary. But since humanity and its various systems, including the market, are imperfect, difficult choices must be made. It is quite probable that the final solution for Abe, Barb and Carl will be less than ideal but may represent what is possible under the circumstances. Like an optometrist during an eye exam, Maria's task is to line up the three lenses of holiness, justice and love so that they align as much as possible. It is imperative that Maria not constrict her range of possible choices too hastily. While it would be simple to frame the problem as having only three optionsfire Abe, fire Barb or fire Carlshe should opt to emulate God's creativity instead. Rather than abandoning us in our moral failure, God lovingly devised a plan for our restoration. It is important to note here that in doing so, neither holiness nor justice was sacrificed. In a stunningly creative move, God took the radical step of substituting his own Son for us, casting our punishment on him. The roughly analogous act in the situation involving Abe, Barb and Carl would be for Maria to fire herself! A more modest integration of holiness, justice and love might lead to some type of job sharing, joint reduction in hours, a deferral in capital spending or, at minimum, a severance package for the dismissed employee. In any event, Maria should explore all options before acting and choose the one that is most pure, fair and benevolent to all involved.

1. What do you think Maria should do? Why? 2. What guidance does the holiness-justice-love model provide for her? 3. Of holiness, justice and love, which would be the most difficult for Maria to apply? Which is generally most lacking in the marketplace?