|
October 15, 1998, Thursday
Is there such a thing as absolute right and absolute wrong?
What is the basis or standard for such an absolute definition
of right and wrong? Are there negative consequences if one
makes his own call for what is right and what is wrong?
Most would agree that it is difficult to determine in our
society absolute right or wrong. However without a standard
above man's moral standard, it is impossible. In the time of
Habakkuk, the society was much like ours. He described what
had happened in society by those making their own standard:
"The law is weak and useless, and justice is never done.
Evil people get the better of the righteous, and so justice
is perverted" (Hab 1:4). Without an absolute standard of
right and wrong, the justice system of any society will not
survive.
Isaiah wanted his people to raise the bar and expectation for
moral conduct. He knew that it would benefit and bless his
people if they would answer to a higher calling. He exhorted
them saying: "Build up the highway, Remove the stones, lift
up a standard over the peoples" (Isa 62:10). A higher moral
standard for any society is protection and blessing for it.
The Scripture tells us that many times throughout history
men have attempted to make and live by their own standard:
"In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did
what was right in his own eyes" (Judg 21:25). A man may
sincerely believe his way is correct but the Scripture says
only God can determine that: "Every man's way is right in
his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts" (Pro 21:2).
The writer of the Proverbs tells us that the consequence
is severe for one following his own standard: "There is a
way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way
of death" (Pro 16:25).
Let us remember who is the God that is our banner. God's
name is Jehová Nissi. He is the God whose banner over
us is His love. He raises up His standard of righteousness
for us when the enemy comes in like a flood. He makes that
standard of righteousness a worthy life goal to pursue first.
Lift your hands to Him and Praise Him today for the fact
that He is the God who is our banner and sign to rally
our cause!
|
