Wrong is Always Wrong

Friends,

Although this is a different perspective from which to view concerns of righteousness, I though it was interesting, so here it is.

Don


Wrong is Always Wrong
By Stephen R. Bradd

We live in an age of loose and sagging morals, and the world continually attempts to rationalize improper behavior. Christians must remember that wrong is always wrong--despite the temptation to make excuses for sinful actions in certain circumstances. Let me elaborate upon this theme by making five simple points.
1). Wrong is always wrong--even if you don't get caught. For instance, it is wrong to cheat on one's taxes, even if the chances of getting caught are minimal (Rom. 13:7). We need to remember "the eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good" (Prov. 15:13). The fact of the matter is that when we sin we are always caught, for God sees all things! You may be able to hide some sins from others, but it is impossible to hide anything from the Lord. Just because you were not caught breaking the law (either civil or divine), doesn't mean you've gotten away with anything.
2). Wrong is always wrong--even if you do it for a good cause. Simply because you have an honorable purpose does not justify committing a dishonorable deed. The end never justifies the means. All sin is transgression of God's principles (I John 3:4). An example of sinning for a good cause would be stealing from the rich in order to give to the poor. It should be noted that one cannot truly give that which doesn't belong to him. Also, though giving to the poor is certainly good, it is always wrong to steal (Eph. 4:28). A much more common transgression in our society is that of couples living together before marriage. Some attempt to justify the practice thinking that it will help them determine if they're compatible or not. Friends, it doesn't work. Statistically, those who live together before marriage are nearly twice as likely to divorce after marriage than those who live separately until making their vows. Do not commit evil with the intent that good may result (Rom. 3:8).
3). Wrong is always wrong--even if others are doing things that are even worse. If you are sentenced to eternal destruction, you won't be comforted on the Day of Judgment knowing that others did things that you considered to be worse than your sins. If a man lusts after a woman (Matt. 5:28), he has committed sin. He is deceiving himself if he thinks that such is acceptable since other people are doing things much worse--like actually committing adultery and fornication. Lust, like any other sin if not forgiven, will result in an eternity in hell, period. Simply because you aren't as bad as someone else doesn't mean that you're living a life pleasing to God.
4). Wrong is always wrong--even if it doesn't bother your conscience. The conscience can be trained or educated to accept wrongdoing. Simply because a person commits an act in sincerity, and it doesn't bother his conscience, does not guarantee that it isn't a sin in God's eyes. In Acts 23:1, Paul said - "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." Did Paul, in good conscience, commit sin prior to that day? Indeed he did, especially when he persecuted the church! Imprisoning and killing Christians did not bother his conscience, but he was still sinning. Sins of revenge often fall into this category. Some feel justified in seeking vengeance when they have been wronged. Such ought to be left to God (Rom. 12:19). Just because a certain act doesn't make you feel guilty does not mean that you aren't guilty.
5). Wrong is always wrong--even if it is commonly considered acceptable. The Bible says -"You shall not follow a crowd to do evil..." (Exod. 23:2). The Christian should not be trying to blend in with the world. He should not conform to sin. Rather, he should stand out as a servant of God and against all sins, even those that society may deem acceptable. Abortion has been legal for over thirty years in America, but it is still wrong to shed innocent blood. Homosexuality becomes more acceptable in the minds of America everyday, but God still calls it a sinful perversion. Just because many believe something is okay doesn't mean that it is. Friends, let us never forget that wrong is always wrong, and let's live like we believe it.