WHAT IS RIGHT AND WRONG — AND WHO DECIDES?
Answering Life’s Toughest Question
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV)
HUMAN SOURCES OF MORALITY
Here are some of the strongest influences:
- Family Upbringing & Culture
- Religion & Spiritual Beliefs
- Laws & Government
- Media & Technology
- Education & Philosophy
- Personal Experience & Emotions
- Peers & Social Pressure
- Popular Culture & Trends
- Conscience & Inner Voice
RESULTS OF HUMAN SOURCES OF MORALITY
“In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” Judges 21:25
- Confusion & Moral Relativism.
“You have your truth, I have mine” becomes the default.
- Conflict & Division.
Family rifts, political polarization, culture wars, even wars between nations.
- Erosion of Trust.
People stop trusting institutions, authorities, or even family.
- Injustice & Harm.
Lawlessness and violence
- Inner Turmoil & Guilt.
Anxiety, guilt, or a fractured identity.
- Redefinition of Right & Wrong.
Normalizes what was once unthinkable, and stigmatizes what was once honorable.
Example: Shifts in views on marriage, gender and identity or the sanctity of life, family, integrity in leadership.
THE LEGITIMATE SOURCE OR MORALITY
- GOD HIMSELF.
“I the LORD do not change…” Malachi 3:6
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father… who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)
- GOD’S WORD.
“All Scripture is God-breathed … so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV)
- JESUS CHRIST
“… I am the way, the truth, and the life…” John 14:6
WHY IS GOD THE BEST SOURCE
- Because He is CREATOR.
“… It is He who made us, and we are His…” Psalm 100:3
- Because He is HOLY and JUST.
“The LORD is righteous in all His ways and faithful in all He does.” Psalm 145:17 (NIV)
“… The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.” Psalm 19:9 (NIV)
- Because He is LOVING.
God gave His commands “for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:13
HOW DO WE LIVE UNDER GOD’S AUTHORITY
- SUBMIT to His Word.
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” Psalm 119:9
- FOLLOW the Example of Christ.
JESUS: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 (NIV)
- Be SALT and LIGHT in the World.
“You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world … let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-14, 15