On Ethics and the Everlasting
July 6, 2008
You may have heard the question, “Whatever happened to the good old days?” Quite often, persons who ask this question are thinking about bygone times when we could leave our doors unlocked and feel perfectly safe. We expected folks to be honest in business, word, and deed. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many in our contemporary culture because moral erosion continues in America. Patterson and Kim report that 74% of Americans will steal from those who won’t miss it, and 64% will lie for convenience as long as no one is hurt. Most Americans (93%) say they alone decide moral issues, basing their decisions on their own experience or whims. What do we say to this, friends? Simply that too many in our country (and in our churches!) live their lives based on “situational morality.” But we must understand that righteous choices have their origin and root in a righteous God. Think of it. What if God decided to lie today, but tell the truth tomorrow? Perhaps he felt it was all right to betray a friend this month, but he will demonstrate loyalty next month. Or maybe he decides to commit a crime - after all, he’s God. Who’d know? Friends, none of these scenarios is possible. The Father declares of himself, “I am the Lord, I change not . . .” (Malachi 3:6). Jehovah is constant in his righteousness; he expects his creation to be, as well. Yes, each of us has been guilty of making situational choices. But from now on, let’s work to “situate” ourselves on Jesus! Please think about it! -JLNJR
