Black Or White

            “for everyone that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness. For he is a babe. But solid food is for full grown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil”. Hebrews 5:13, 14.

            There are many opinions that exist concerning what constitutes good and evil. The question of black, white and gray areas, regarding morals and principles, are always debated. Questions such as, “Is lying wrong, are premarital relations sinful, is there a heaven and a hell, will those who obey not the gospel be condemned”? Many questions may occupy our mind. But the thing we need to make sure of is, “am I sure of what I believe is right”.

            Whether we can answer the question or not is based upon our standard of what constitutes right or wrong. Two ways to approach this.

1.     No, I cannot be sure of what I believe is right, if I am my own standard. Many in our society are involved in premarital relationships. They may say, “what’s the big deal, it’s only a piece of paper and a ceremony”. The same argument could be given in regard to a hunting and fishing or driver’s license, yet those who would reject the law, in regard to the marriage relationship, submit to getting a licenses, because a failure to do so would result in  imprisonment and financial ruin. So, is it just a piece of paper or are there other considerations that keep men and women from complying with the law? Paul said, “for being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God”. Romans 10:3.

2.     Yes, I can be sure that what I believe is either right or wrong, based upon, if God is my standard. Jesus said concerning the Father, “thy word is truth”. John 17:17.

                        How many times have you heard, or maybe even said yourself, “I know that God says, but I just can’t accept it. The words of the Lord, spoken by Paul condemned the Gentiles because they reasoned in the same manner as those who what God says, but deny it in their lives. Romans 1:21, 22, “because that, knowing God, they did not glorify him as God, neither gave thanks. But became vain in their reasoning’s, and their senseless heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools”.

            Do you know what is right or wrong in what you practice? Like the little things, your manner of dress, your place in the home, your duties on the job, or your responsibility to government. Are you be governed by God’s word, or make your own standard? Paul said in Romans 3:4, “let God be true and every man a liar”. Psalmist recorded in Psalm 119:104, “through thy precepts I get understanding. Therefore I hate every evil or false way”.

- CL Bruner