WRONG IS WRONG!

We live in a time of declining morals. Political correctness has "gone to seed" in our present culture. Our enemy, the devil, provides many rationalizations for improper behavior. We must so live as to “not be ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11). The Apostle Paul told the Corinthians— “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3). Quite often, we hear the true statement: “wrong is wrong". With these warnings in mind, we must ever realize that wrong is wrong despite the efforts of so many to excuse their actions. Let us heed the following:

Wrong is wrong, even if we don’t get caught. Let us remember that “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and good” (Prov. 15:3). The Hebrew writer tells us “there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Heb. 4:13). On that great day, “God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether it is good or whether it is evil” (Eccl. 12:14).

Wrong is wrong, even if we think it is for a good cause. Some will forsake worshiping God for some worldly activity or "good cause". A supposedly honorable purpose does not justify a dishonorable deed or action. The end never justifies the means. The Apostle Paul made this point to the Romans as it had to do with those who were slandering him— “And why not say, ‘Let us do evil that good may come’?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just” (Rom. 3:8). Sin is transgression of God’s law. (1 Jn. 3:4; 5:17; 2 Jn. 9) But how many times have we heard feeble attempts to justify sin on the basis of— “it is doing so much good”, "it is such a great cause", or “it feels so good". For an action to be pleasing in the sight of God, it must be morally and doctrinally right---all in accordance with the will of God. Thus, all that we do must be authorized and justified by Scripture. See 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 4:11.

Wrong is wrong, even if it doesn’t bother our conscience. The conscience must be taught and properly trained. If not, it will accept wrong-doing. Remember, the Apostle Paul persecuted Christians, casting them into prison, all with a clear conscience. He stated, “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9). And, again, He stated to the council as he reflected back on his sinful conduct, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). This is why we often do sinful things just as the world does and think nothing of it because we have not been taught correctly. For example, the Bible clearly teaches “in like manner, also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing's, but, which is proper for women professing godliness with good works” (1 Tim. 2:9-10). It is wise for parents to begin instilling a strong sense of modesty in their children's hearts and lives at a very young age. Otherwise, they will more than likely grow up thinking immodesty is fine, giving it no serious thought. Hence, the conscience must be guided and taught strictly by the Word of God, so as to have the proper standard and guide.

Wrong is wrong, even if it is commonly considered acceptable. The Bible says, “You shall not follow a crowd to do evil” (Ex. 23:2). Just think of what has become acceptable in recent years in our present society—social drinking, partying and dancing, gambling, dressing immodestly, using profanity, etc. We see all of this, not only in person, but on TV and in movies. 57.5 million babies have been murdered since abortion was legalized in America in 1973. And now we are witnessing the acceptance of homosexuality, the legalization of same-sex marriage, and the legalization of marijuana in some states. We begin to think—what’s next? But just because “everybody else is doing it,” or so it seems, that doesn’t make it right. The child of God should “not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on” (Prov. 4:14-15). But if we are not careful, we will find ourselves entering, walking and traveling along with the ways and practices of the world, rather than turning away from them! (Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor 6: 17; 1 Jn. 2:15-17) We are told to “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thes. 5:21-22).

REMEMBER, there is never a right way to do wrong. WRONG IS WRONG!

by R.J. Evans

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