“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”1
When in college … quite a few years ago now … in my ethics class, I learned that if anything is helpful to a person or persons physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially or spiritually, it is right. On the other hand, if anything is harmful to any person or persons (including myself) physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially or spiritually, it is wrong. An even greater standard and the final absolute authority for correct ethics is that which is based on God’s Word, the Bible.
When we consider the Enron and other business debacles, too many athletes taking drug enhancement steroids, manipulating media that add their particular spin to news reports, and some (maybe many) politicians who speak in part-truths that are designed to deceive, we cannot help but wonder about the lack of ethics in today’s world.
In spite of what modern secularists tell us—that people are basically good and with education we will continue to improve, scandals like this have always been with us and always will be because we are sinners. And in a society where we don’t teach the difference between right and wrong, where moral absolutes have been abandoned, where tolerance and not truth is absolute, where political correctness supersedes reality, and where our ethics are based on that which is convenient rather than on what is right and what is wrong, let’s not be surprised when we continue to see fraudulent scandals.
For we who claim to be followers of Jesus, let us be sure to base our ethics regarding what is right and what is wrong on the Word of God, and, with his help, always strive to live in harmony with the principles found therein.
Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please give me a love for your Word and, as David said, ‘hide it in my heart so I won’t sin against you.’ Help me to establish and live according to ethics based on your Word so that I will never bring shame to your name. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
1. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NKJV).
NOTE: Wishing all citizens of the U.S.A. a very happy July 4, the celebration of Independence Day. If you care to read the text of The Declaration of Independence you can do so at http://www.ushistory.org/Declaration/document/index.htm
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