What is Right?
The average person in today’s world does not recognize absolutes of truth. Right or wrong is often determined by what furthers a person’s goals and desires … no matter how much it may harm someone else or displease God.
How can you be sure of what is right? Hebrews 4:12 states, “The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Here are some principles to discern right from wrong: First, discern your mind from God’s voice. Human thinking is corrupted by sin; “follow your heart” is ungodly advice. Our natural inclinations are usually selfish. God’s Word can help us recognize God’s voice. Second, discern personal wants from community needs. The witness of the Jesus Christ to the world and your personal example to weaker believers are important in bringing clarity to questionable decisions. Third, discern principles from rules. Jesus followed kingdom of God principles as higher than man-made rules when meeting needs: i.e. God’s purpose for the Sabbath versus man’s control of the Sabbath. He also affirmed inward righteousness over outward goodness. The greatest principle to follow is love. Fourth, discern cause and effect. Your life bears the fruit of the seeds your plant—it’s that simple. Eventually, our actions reveal our motives. Fifth, discern biblical standards from cultural ideals. Study the biblical basis of telling right from wrong—such as the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, the fruit of the spirit, and the parables of Jesus. So many Christians depend on others to tell them what is the truth, yet they are surrounded by Bibles that contain all the information they need. And observe society’s basis of morality—popularity, peer pressure, pleasure, and monetary gain. God is pleased when we follow His words of truth.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.