Monday, January 5, 2009

Light and Shadows


(Photo by Corliss Sinclair)

Conventional morality used to be pretty clear. Right was right and wrong was wrong and society as a whole seemed able to tell the difference. In the modern world, however, what once was clearly black or white has turned to shades of gray. It is called “situational ethics,” meaning that whether a thing is right or wrong depends on the situation. Little “white lies” are deemed okay but no one seems willing to define a “black lie.” A large percentage of college students admit to regular cheating on schoolwork. They justify cheating because they feel entitled to receive a benefit they have paid for, even if it isn’t earned. People have become their own final authority, refusing to honor or answer to God. Despite the justifications and rationalizations and outright abominations, there remains a standard, a code of conduct handed down from God to his people. When Moses brought the Ten Commandments down from the mountain, his countenance shone so bright he had to cover his face. The Israelite people could not look upon him because he reflected the glory of God. Despite changing morals and customs and opinions, God has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. There is no new revelation but instead a revolution against God. The truth is that man cannot break the commandments of God; he can only break himself upon them. Walking daily in the light of God’s word makes it easier to clarify the ethics in any situation and reflect the glory of God in a world shadowed by sin.

“Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.” (Deuteronomy 12:8, KJV)

By Hazel King
© 2009

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