There’s No Right Way
To Do The Wrong Thing

 

            I noticed the sign in front of a building the other day, and I was intrigued by what was posted there.  It read, “There’s no right way to do the wrong thing.”  This is a much needed message for people today who think truth is whatever each individual makes it.  The idea of absolute truth is a foreign thought to many, but to Christians it should be a great comfort in a sea of uncertainty.  Jesus said, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17).  The Bible was inspired, or breathed out, by God (II Timothy 3:16-17), therefore we can fully trust in its truth and accuracy, and we can know that we must obey its commands.

            I am seeing more and more “situational ethics” in the way that people rationalize sinful behavior.  Basically, this philosophy is that situation, surroundings, and/or environment are major factors in determining right and wrong.  Here are some common examples of this type of reasoning: 1) “I don’t drink alcohol…unless I am in a social situation where it is widely accepted.”  2) “I won’t wear skimpy, revealing clothing…unless I am near water.”  3) “I don’t skip worship services…unless my family/friends visit, I have ball practice, or I am on vacation.” 

            The folly in this reasoning is obvious to me.  If a Christian can see the wrong in an activity at one time or place, why do they fail to see the sin in it all the time?  Too often, even Christians’ standards rely heavily on what the world accepts as right or wrong.  However, even the world recognizes the foolishness of “situational ethics.”  Just this morning I heard a secular radio talk show pointing out how “funny” it is that women will wear the almost non-existent clothing on the beach that they would NEVER wear anywhere else. But as children of God, we must measure our every action against God’s truth, His holy and divine word.  If a situation or environment can make a sin no longer sinful, then it can do something that even God cannot do.  If water can make immodest clothing modest, then why not put your faith in that water instead of God.  If a vacation can make drinking alcohol or forsaking the assembly of the saints right, why not place your faith in vacations rather than Christ.  Let’s stop trying to make wrong things right, and strive harder to do what we know is right!

----Darrell Powell

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