The Sanctuary

There are times I find myself bitter, envious, angry in life. 

Honestly, I know it is wrong – but still – I find myself there.  Sometimes – often times – it is because I am suffering the consequences of my own stupidity.   I knew what I was doing was wrong – but still – rather than repent and turn away – I stayed.   And sin always – always – destroys.  And when suffering the consequences of my sin – the destruction – it is easy to become bitter and angry and myself.

Other times it is easy to be jealous of other people.   Nicer homes, cars, lives – it looks like they have all the things I want – but just can’t have.   And so, jealousy and resentment raise their ugly heads in my life.

The Psalmist said as much.

Psalm 73:3-10 (NLT)  For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.  They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong.  They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.  They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty.  These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!  They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others.  They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.  And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.

First Thought:  These emotions – these thoughts lead to life of instability.

Psalm 73:2 (NLT)  But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.

Feet slipping and losing footing are pictures of instability.  Compare that with Psalm 40:2  He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.

Not only that – these emotions lead to a flawed perspective of reality.   Everyone else is being blessed and I have it horribly!   I’m even being punished by God!

When we are in the midst of bitterness, envy and jealousy we simply can’t see or think straight.  We are totally self-deceived.  What doesn’t reinforce our skewed perception of reality is simply tossed aside or ignored.   You don’t think that other people – even those that seemingly live charmed lives – don’t have their own struggles and have to fight their own demons?

Not only that, the Psalmist not only underestimates the struggle of other, he overestimates his own spirituality! 

Psalm 73:13-14 (NLT)  Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?  I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.

A pure heart? Innocent?   How self-righteous!  His heart was filled with jealousy!  He was ungrateful for what God had given him!  He was unstable in his life!  He was torn up inside!  How many people are spiritually self-deceived in their own lives because of anger and bitterness?

Psalm 73:21 (NLT)  Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.

BIG THOUGHT – Ultimately, the Psalmist was blaming God for not living up to what he thought God should do.   He looked to his “evil” neighbors and they were being blessed with material things while he was – in his own humble estimation – living for God but not being blessed by God.

Have you ever been in a place where you thought God wasn’t living up to His part of the bargain?  Now I know you and I would never say this – but it goes something like this:

Ok God – I’ll follow you.  I’ll go to church, give, serve and try to clean up my life.  I will do my best to live a good Christian life.   And in return here is what I expect you to do.  Give me a good job.  Answer my prayers.  Make my children behave.  Make sure I have plenty of money.  And most of all – make sure I never suffer much.   And God - when that happens I’ll be sure to give you all the glory!  AMEN!

Again … most of us would never say that … but isn’t that how we feel many times?   We have our wish list – our expectations of what God should or shouldn’t do.  And when He doesn’t live up to our expectations – when we see others living the life we want – then we blame God and become angry, bitter and disillusioned. 

Second Thought:  It all changed … but how?

What changed the Psalmists thinking?   What changed his perspective?  What moved him from bitterness to joy, from disillusionment to peace, from instability to stability?

Psalm 73:17 (NLT)  Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.

The Psalmist went into the sanctuary of God and everything changed.

The Sanctuary - Where you come in contact with God.  

The Sanctuary - Where we see God for who He is and see yourself for what you really are.  

The Sanctuary - Where you truly Worship God.

The Sanctuary - Where you begin to see “life” how God sees “life.”

So how do we hear from God?   Through God’s Word – the Bible.   Through God’s Spirit in our lives.   Through Godly counsel that point our attention back to God and His Word.   Through Songs that teach and remind us of who God is.

It all changed when the Psalmist took his focus off of everyone else – took his focus off of himself – and turned his focus on God.  It was only then that his outlook changed.

Notice – there is no record of his situation changing.  But his attitude changed – his outlook changed – how he viewed himself and others changed – and most importantly – how he viewed God changed.

Third Thought – Where is his confidence now?

Psalm 73:23-26 (NLT)  Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.  You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.  Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.  My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

His confidence is now in God.  Why?  

He realized he belonged to God.  God holds him by his right hand.   Security.

He realized God would guide him to an amazing future.  Direction.

Knowing that changed everything.  No matter what God would be the strength of his heart and God would hold him forever.

The Psalmist – and you and I – are totally responsible for our attitudes.  We are totally responsible for how we perceive “life” around us.  We can respond with bitterness, anger, jealousy, all of which will eventually destroy us.  Or we can respond to “life” by keeping our eyes focused on God.   Trusting Him even when it doesn’t seem like He is active, working in our lives or our circumstance.

Lord – rather than becoming bitter and resentful because of what you are doing in other places – help me to keep my focus off of others and onto you.  Help me – remind me that I belong to You.  You are aware of everything in my life and you are at work to bring beauty out of ashes.

Lord – rather than engaging in a pity party because of the suffering in my life.   Suffering from my own choices, the choices of others, or the chaotic suffering of life – help me to get my focus off of poor pitiful me and to focus on your care, your love, your transforming work in my life.

Lord – while I can’t always choose what makes up my life – what will come my way – I can always choose what I spend my time and energy focused on.   Help me to spend time in the Sanctuary every day focusing on You.

What Am I Really Seeking?

What Am I Really Seeking?

Psalm 27:7-9 (NIV)  Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.  My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.  Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

Thought One:   What Am I Really Seeking?

Rather than seeking God – how many times am I seeking answers, or relief from consequences of my own actions, or direction, or emotional/physical healing or any number of other things?

Is there anything wrong with seeking those things?   Absolutely not – all through scripture we are commanded to seek such things from God.   However, when we seek these more than we seek Him, then it indicates an imbalance.

We value what God can give us more than we value Him.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Interesting Hebrew word for “Seek” here.   Hebrew word used here (baqar) literally means to plow into. David passionately desired to observe the Lord in His dwelling place, to meditate upon Him, to investigate Him. Simply put, David’s foremost priority was to know God. This is the desire of the true worshipper: not to receive something from God but to know God.

Honestly – I am not for sure that describes me most of the time.   I don’t necessarily seek God first – I am more interested in what I think I need.   So I go to Him and ask Him for it.   Rather than “plowing into Him” I am trying to plow into a solution for my problems.   My eyes aren’t focused on Him – they are focused on what is around me.

Question to ask myself through the day:  What am I really plowing into?  What am I really seeking?

Thought Two:  Can God – Would God hide/reject/forsake His own child?

Psalm 27:9 (NIV)  Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

Remember – this the Old Testament – before Jesus came and gave His Life on the Cross, rose again, ascended to the Father and then sent the Holy Spirit to indwell His Followers in Acts.    In the Old Testament the Spirit of God came to specific people, in specific instances then the Spirit of God was removed.   However, in the New Testament – Early Church – Acts 2 – God sends His Spirit to live in every follower of Jesus.   His promise is that His Spirit will remain in them to guide, to comfort, to instruct in harmony with the Word of God.   So for a Follower of Jesus today, God’s Spirit cannot be taken away.

Hebrews 13:5b (NIV)  God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

However – I must admit – I feel like God or His Spirit is nowhere near at times.  I have felt abandoned and forgotten by God at times.   Especially recently – feeling an overwhelming darkness and abandonment by God because of choices I made knowing they were the opposite of what God intended.

So if God says He is there – He hasn’t abandoned me – but I don’t feel Him – don’t sense Him – can’t find Him – call out to Him and hear nothing – why is this?  How and I supposed to respond?

What causes me to miss God’s Presence in my life?  Honestly, right now I am totally overwhelmed by the circumstances - of my own making – in which I find myself.   I am terrified – embarrassed – fearful – humbled and broken.   In the darkness it is difficult to see anything.   I feel God is nowhere to be found – feel the He has given up on me – feel unworthy of even being associated with Him.  Those are my feelings – but the fact is the scriptures – His Word – the Bible paints a totally different picture.

God’s Word says to “Fear Not” – over 365 times in the Bible – “Fear Not” – why?  He is there – He knows – He understands – He has forgiven and He will restore.    But I don’t feel that way at all.

God’s Word says “His love is Unconditional” – Nothing can separate me from God’s Love.   Nothing.  (Romans 8:38) – But I don’t feel that way at all.

God’s Word says “He will bring something good – something that honors Him – out of my mess.”  (Romans 8:28)  Nothing I did caught God by surprise.  Long before anyone else – He knew the stupidity of my actions.  Sin always destroys – but God has promised out of that destruction to bring something beautiful out of it.   But I don’t see that right now – and feel that anything good is so far away I can’t even dare dream about it.

Which brings me back to my first thought.   Maybe rather than seeking relief, direction or comfort – I just need to “plow into Him” and in His Time, He will provide all I need.

That is much easier said than done.   I struggle – I struggle to believe what God says over what I am experiencing right now.    It is a struggle between peace and desperation.   It isn’t a one-time decision – it is a moment by moment battle – a fight within my heart and mind.   God it is so hard.

However, look at what David says at the end of Psalm 27.

Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)  I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Dare I really believe that?   I will see God’s goodness in my life while I am still alive?  Can I really trust Him and wait?  I want to run and hide.   I so want to give up and just disappear.   I want to find a way to “fix” all that I broke.   Dare I simply trust God?  Dare I trust Him to give me the strength to bring my emotions and thoughts to a place of waiting for Him?

He is transforming my life.   God it hurts.   But I will trust you.   It is all I have.   Help me believe it is enough.

God – I am terrified.  There is so much pain, embarrassment, destruction in my life that I don’t sense you at all.   I feel like I have lost everything – even you.   It is so dark – so overwhelming – that I can’t feel anything but desperation.   But God – you said not to fear – you still love me and you will take my mess and make something beautiful out of it.   I want to believe that.   I want so much to “plow into” that – please help me.  Help me to seek you.  Let you speak to me through your Word – though your children – though your Spirit.   God please help me to trust you.

God – please be with those who are in the same place I am.  Help me in the darkness of this room to simply whisper “He’s Here – I don’t see Him either – but He said He’s here.”   God please help me to help them.

What Do You Do When You Have Been Betrayed?

Betrayal is a weapon found only in the hands of the ones you love. Your enemy has no such tool, for only a friend can betray. Betrayal is a violation of trust, an inside job. It would be easier if it was a stranger, a random attack or that you were a victim of circumstance. But betrayal isn't like that. When you are betrayed, you are the victim of a friend.

It is more than rejection. Rejection opens a wound, betrayal pours the salt.
It's more than loneliness. Loneliness leaves you in the cold, betrayal closes the door.
It is more than mockery. Mockery plunged the knife, betrayal twists it.
It is more than as insult. An insult attacks your pride, betrayal breaks your heart.

When betrayal comes, what do you do? Get out? Get angry? Get even? You have to deal with it somehow. How did Jesus treat being betrayed.

Jesus Called Judas Friend

(Matthew 26:50 NIV) "Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him."

Of all the names I would have chosen for Judas it would have not been friend. What Judas did was grossly unfair. There is no indication that Jesus ever mistreated Judas. There is no clue that Judas was ever left out or neglected. When, during the Last Supper, Jesus told the disciple that His betrayer sat at the table, they didn't turn to one another and whisper, "It's Judas. Jesus told us he would do that!"

It is even more unfair when you consider that they betrayal was Judas's idea. The religious leaders didn't seek him, Judas sought them. Judas went to them and asked how much he could get for Jesus. Somehow the betrayal might have been more palatable or understandable if Judas had been propositioned by the leader, but he wasn't. He propositioned them.

Then he betrayed Him by calling Him Teacher - a title of respect. Then the kiss - an exchange between friends - a expression of affection. Nothing that Judas said or did warranted such a response from Jesus.

Jesus Understood Judas Had Been Seduced by a Powerful Foe

Jesus was aware of Satan's whispers in Judas's ear. He was aware how powerful and cunning they could be. After all, Jesus had heard them for Himself. This was no demon or even demons that was after Judas, this was Satan himself.

Jesus knew how hard it was for Judas to do what was right. He didn't justify what Judas did. He didn't minimize the deed. Not did He release Judas from his choice. But He did look eye to eye with His betrayer and try to understand. As long as you hate your betrayer, a jail door is closed and a prisoner is taken. But when you try to understand and release your foe from your hatred, then the prisoner is released and that prisoner is you.

Perhaps you don't like that idea. Perhaps the thought of forgiveness is unrealistic to you. Perhaps the idea of trying to understand your Judases is simply to gracious.

What do you suggest? Does harboring anger solve the problem? Will getting even remove the hurt? Does hatred do any good? The hurt should not be minimized, nor should one justify the actions of a betrayer, but we must understand that justice won't come this side of eternity and demanding that your betrayer gets his or hers share of pain. will in the process, be most painful to you. Life is not fair. God never said that it would be.

(John 16:33 NIV) ""I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.""

Troubles are part of the package. As long as you are here on earth there are going to be betrayals, disappointments, death, sickness and sin. That is all part of the troubles and tribulation that come with living here on planet earth. Don't look for fairness here - look instead where Jesus looked.

Jesus Looked to the Future

(Matthew 26:64 NIV) ""Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.""

While going through hell on earth, Jesus kept His Eyes of heaven.
While surrounded by enemies, He kept His Mind of His Father.
While abandoned on earth, He kept His Heart on Home.

Jesus took a long look into the homeland. Long enough to see His friends.

(Matthew 26:53 NIV) "Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?"

And seeing them up there gave Him strength here on earth.

So what should we do when we are Betrayed?

Offer them Compassion.
Offer them Understanding.
Keep your Eyes Focused on Jesus Christ.

(Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. {2} Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

I can't do this - it's impossible!

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengths me."


Adapted from Max Lucado

A Biblical Understanding of Trials - Part One

A Biblical Understanding of Trials

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13)

What is the Purpose of Trials?

A trial is the process of proving the quality or worth of something or someone. Trials are tests of your faith, patience or endurance through the process of suffering.

Three primary Greek words are translated as "trial" in the New Testament. Each has a slightly different emphasis in meaning, yet they all reveal God's purpose for trials and suffering.

Dokimion... proven faith - A testing trial in which your faith is proved genuine. - "These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:7)

Purosis... refined character - A fiery trial through which your character is refined, as gold is refined (implies suffering). - "Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12)

Peirasmos... tested commitment - trial or temptation through which the quality of your commitment is tested.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

God Meant if for Good - Genesis 37-50

Wherever he went, young Joseph incited resentment and jealousy. This favored child of Jacob needed refining, and it was no wonder that his brothers determined to do away with him after he bragged that one day they would bow down to him (see Genesis 37:5-11). Joseph's story illustrates how God smooths the rough edges of our character by various trials and testings that build confidence in His purpose and provision for us.

The sands of abrasion were very real in Joseph's life, for God used his trials of rejection and suffering and years of undeserved punishment to soften him. Joseph's self-centered spirit was replaced with compassion even for those who had tried to harm him (see Genesis 45:8-11). More importantly, Joseph learned to trust God. His most powerful pronouncement was made when he told his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

"The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5:10)

What are Some Truth About Trials?

Trials are experienced by everyone. - Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12)

Trials have a divine purpose. - "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us." (Romans 5:3-5)

Trials last only for a while. - "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." (1 Peter 1:6)

Trials are controlled by God. - "God... will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Trials strengthen you in your weaknesses. - "I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Trials come with God's grace for endurance. - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

What Process is Possible During Trials?

Little apple seeds that grow into large apple trees go through a process of change. A process is marked by a series of natural, gradual changes that lead toward an end result. This is exactly what God has in mind when He allows trials to enter your life. If, like the seed, you are willing to die to self, God will begin a process in you that can result in great spiritual growth.

"Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." (John 12:24)

The Process ... In the Psalms

Trials turn you to God. - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, 'Where is your God?' These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:1-6)

Trials bring God to you. - "You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." (Psalm 10:17)

Trials motivate you to cry out to God. - "I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me." (Psalm 142:1-3)

Trials lead to personal examination. - "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)

Trials draw you back to God's will. - "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word." (Psalm 119:67)

Trials draw you to God's Word. - "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." (Psalm 119:71)

Trials produce a hatred of sin. - "Since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin." (1 Peter 4:1)

Trials produce a heart of humility. - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." (Psalm 126:5)

How Do You Handle Critics???

A monk joined a monastery and took a vow of silence. After the first 10 years, his superior called him in and asked, "Do you have anything to say?” The monk replied, "Food bad.” After another 10 years, the monk again had an opportunity to voice his thoughts. He said, "Bed hard.” Another 10 years went by and again he was called in before his superior. When asked if he had anything to say, he responded, "I quit.” "It doesn't surprise me a bit. You have done nothing but complain ever since you got here."

John Mason in You’re Born An Original, Don’t Die A Copy, writes, “You can always spot a failure by the way he criticizes success. Those who can – do. Those who can not – criticize. Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it in the first place. If it were not for the doers, the critics would soon be out of business. Envy provides the mud that failures throw at success. Whoever criticizes to you will criticize about you. If someone belittles you, he is only trying to cut you down to his size.”

So, How Does One Handle The Critics?

One should listen to it & evaluate the merit of it. - Evaluate the merit of the criticism independent of the person: Is the critic accurate? Do they have a legitimate concern? Often this involves time of speculation and prayer. This is why it is good to surround yourself with godly people who can help you with this process. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—“ (Proverbs 1:5 NIV)

Secondly, look at the source of the criticism. - What is their intent? Do they have an agenda in mind? Are they chronic complainers? “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” (Proverbs 20:11 NIV)

Finally, determine if action should be taken, whether it be a change or an apology. - Correction and self-control will lead you through life.” (Proverbs 6:23b)

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; who does actually try to do the deed; who knows great enthusiasm, the great devotion and spends himself in a worthy cause; who are the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”

April 10th, 1899, Theodore Roosevelt

Two Important Words!

Two Very Important Words!

A while back, I picked up a book called Heart at Work compiled by Jack Canfield & Jacqueline Miller. In the book, Steve Wilson tells the story of Norman Guitry was giving a lecture to group of freshman students preparing for service in the Mental Health field. What he said was remarkable:

"Everything you need to know about mental heath can be summed up in only two words. Ninety-five percent of the mental health problems we deal with today could be eliminated if everyone would practice this two word prescription, if everyone would live by these two words."

What are the two words?? Don't Belittle

He went on, "Don't belittle. Don't put people down. Don't make anyone feel small. Don't be judgmental or critical in ways that diminish another people's sense of themselves. Most of the problems of crime and abuse, academic failures, problems between bosses and workers, broken homes and addictions can be traced to low self-esteem. Don't belittle. Remember it. Teach it. Live it."

What Does The Bible Have To Say About This?

FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE IN OTHERS - You will find what you are looking for everytime!
"Keep your mind on what is true, pure, right, holy friendly and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8

LIFT UP AND ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER - Treat People the way that you want them to treat you! "You must encourage and help each other!" 1 Thessalonians 5:11

SPEAK WORDS THAT HELP AND HEAL RATHER THAN WORDS THAT HURT AND DESTROY. Words do matter! Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal." Proverbs 12:18

"Words Can Bring Death or Life! Talk too much and you will eat everything you say! Proverbs 18:21 (CEV)

Use your words wisely today! Build Up Others! Are you using your words to build others up or tear someone down?

Right or Wrong? That is the Question!

How many times, usually while watching the evening news, have you asked yourself the question, “How could they not know what they were doing was wrong?” It is amazing how seemingly wise and sane people can be blinded or demonstrate such a disregard for doing what is right.

How do you determine what is right and wrong? Years ago, Harry Emmerson Fosdick, professor at Union Theological Seminary, developed a formula that helped him determine right from wrong. It is incredibly practical as we struggle with that same challenge today.

Six Ways To Tell Right From Wrong

The Common Sense Test - Are you simply being foolish? How would you judge someone else if they did the same thing? “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2 NIV

The Sportsmanship Test - Are you playing fair? How would you feel if someone else did the same thing to you? If it is not right for everyone, it is probably not right for anyone. “Treat others the way you would want them to treat you.” Matthew 7:12 CEV

The Best Self-Test - Are you trying to be the best that you can be? Will it help you become a better person? “Work hard at whatever you do.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 CEV

The Publicity Test - If everyone knew what you were doing, would you still do it? It is surprising how the light of public knowledge changes our perspective and our behavior. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NIV

The Most Admired Person Test – Would the person you most admired do this? If you told that person about it, would you feel proud or ashamed? “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 NIV

The Foresight Test – What can possibly go wrong? Could you live with the consequences? “Do not brag about tomorrow! Each day brings its own surprises.” Proverbs 27:1 CEV

Right is right, even if everyone is against it; and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. William Penn