Because I am convinced that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, I live my life by its teachings. Ergo, I still believe that there is right and wrong in the world. Recently I was told that I was judgmental because I don’t agree with some of what’s going on out in the world; specifically, “alternative lifestyles”.
First, let me say that I’m not protesting anywhere or coming against anyone’s right to live as they see fit. But, I don’t agree that “whatever with whoever” is right in God’s eyes and I will use the freedom and responsibility of my vote accordingly. I believe there is right and wrong in the world. So, I got reamed and called judgmental, saying that I sin every day and I had no place saying anything anyone else was doing was wrong. In other words, I had no right to an opinion that does not agree with the liberal agenda of the day.
My response has been months in coming. I learned years ago to take any criticism to heart and consider the fact that I may need to work on that area of my character. So, I’ve done that. After much thought and more prayer I have come to the conclusion that, although I do sin every day, right and wrong, good and evil still do exist.
My main concern in any of life’s questions is, “What does God think?” His Word teaches that clearly the existence of right and wrong behavior. It also teaches that God looks at the heart. And a repentant heart is what really matters. As we each fall short of the mark the question becomes, are we repentant? Are we seriously striving to walk as His witnesses or are we just doing whatever we choose, against His Word, and calling it living in His grace? So what of the “judgment seat of Christ”? “For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive [his pay] according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil [considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing].” 2 Corinthians 5:10
I believe it is our responsibility, the great commission, to proclaim God’s Word to the world. The Apostle Paul said, “therefore I testify and protest to you on this [our parting] day that I am clean and innocent and not responsible for the blood of any of you. For I never shrank or kept back or fell short from declaring to you the whole purpose and plan and counsel of God.” (Acts 20:26-27) Hence, not sharing the “whole counsel” of the Gospel leaves any of us who call ourselves Christians responsible for the blood of those that come across our path. We cannot be those who “call evil good”. (Isaiah 5:20) We must not be those who walk the fence in order to keep the peace. The Word says a judgment is coming for those who are lukewarm and God will “spit you out.” (Revelation 3:16) I also find it interesting that the John 3:16 offers salvation while Revelation 3:16 warns of being lost.
In conclusion, I will hold to my testimony of the Word. I believe there is right and wrong, good and evil. Jesus also warned, “In this life you will have tribulation.” (John 16:33) This minor persecution is but a nuisance when compared to His approval and life in His presence. “If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you.” (John 15:19)
So, I endure persecution. But, I still choose Truth! I choose Life!