Knowing the Right Thing

How do we determine the difference between right and wrong? Over the last 40-50 years, the moral climate in America has shifted, and the changes occurred because new moral templates were suggested. One of the more famous was, “if it feels good, do it.” Another guideline offered declared, “if no one is hurt, the act cannot be wrong.” When we face some of our more modern dilemmas, such as stem cell research, we are told the benefit some would experience, for instance from stem cell research, justifies what we do. Surely, some argue, if we can relieve suffering by harvesting embryos for the purpose of developing cures for terrible diseases, we are on the side of good.

Are such arguments sound? Can we use them as guides for our own ethical decision-making? Or, should we look to other sources? This past week, when the Speaker of the House of Representatives met with Pope Benedict, the spiritual leader of Catholics reminded Ms. Pelosi of the spiritual and ethical responsibility elected political leaders have for protecting human life from conception to natural death. The Pope wanted to clarify the ethical standards by which Catholics should be led.

Can we say, in a final, definitive way, a biblical standard exists regarding abortion? How about human sexuality? Are we able to say safely the Bible tells us what is right and what is wrong in our sexual conduct? What about the way we spend our money, or use our time, or respond to our neighbors, or conduct ourselves in the classroom and on the job?

Even more important, where do we find the courage to stand up for what we believe? Our study of Hebrews 5.11-14 gave us some direction in finding an answer to that question. This passage, and especially verse 14, serves as the ethical core of the Book of Hebrews. The original addressees of this “letter” were struggling with the challenge to stay faithful to God and the church. Hebrews, you remember, is actually a sermon, sent to a group of believers in Rome, intended to encourage them to continue trusting in God, even in the face of stiff persecution.

So, how does the statement, “but solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil,” fit in with the topic of faith? Well, the list of faith champions in Chapter 11 points to the answer. Each person listed had some challenge to overcome. Each was victorious through faith. But, what kind of faith? These heros succeeded because they were willing to rely on God’s faithfulness when they had to make hard decisions about right and wrong. We do not often think of faith in terms of ethics, but, at its deepest level, faith, trusting in God, is all about doing the right thing. Whatever God calls us to do, he always leads us to do the right thing, regardless of how costly the decision, or what the consequences might be.

The payoff for doing the right thing is knowing you have done the right thing. We never forget our important decisions; they remain a part of who we are. When we do the wrong thing, the negative consequence is we know we have failed. The reward for doing the right thing is knowing we have done the right thing.

By the way, we need to be reminded God takes even our failures, and uses them for our good. He is the ultimate steward; he is not wasteful. God does not remind us, either, we are failures. He forgives us, and wipes the failure off his record. We should do the same.

Believers today face challenges no one dreamed would ever confront us. Stem-cell research, human sexuality issues, poverty and wealth, political involvement, and a host of other issues stare us in the face daily. How will we respond? By developing a biblical worldview, we can face these issues, and resolve them in such a way as to honor God and not compromise our own values, and the teachings of God’s word. We are going to confront these issues over the next several weeks.