Deciding What Is Right

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." - Proverbs 14:12

"In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." - Judges 21:25

"Therefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." - Romans 1:24-25

I started this post with 3 verses and not one this time. I have been thinking about the world and what people and their governments have declared to be right and wrong. Their standard for declaring what is right and wrong is based upon traditions and the consensus of opinion. If enough people agree that something is right, then it is declared to be right. Declaring that something is wrong is determined the same way. 

Are you familiar with Venn diagrams? Simply put, it is two circles that overlap one another. The place where the circles share the same space or overlap represents a place of agreement or oneness. Think of God's definition of right and wrong as one circle and mankind's definition of right and wrong as another circle. Where the circles overlap is where mankind and God are in agreement. (That space seems to be shrinking by the day.)

As Christians we are to embrace God's circle as truth. Where there is mutual agreement, the world has no problem with us. However, if and when we reject the rest of mankind's circle because it is contrary to God's truth, that is when there are problems. Do you remember when Jesus was tested about paying taxes to Caesar?

"Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” So, they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." - Matthew 22:17-21

In that case, Roman taxes were inside the common area.  Jesus was not saying that whatever Caesar said to do was OK. He was saying that if God has not spoken against it. If it is not contrary to the revealed will of God and his nature, then it is permissible. Remember, God has dominion over His creation, and we must resist when we are tempted to venture outside of the common area and into the circle of mankind's truth.

You don't have to look too far to see examples of the conflicts I am referring to. They confront you every day. 

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." - Ephesians 6:14-18

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone