Is There Really a Right and Wrong?

At a young age, most of us are guided by parents, grandparents, teachers, clergy, and others, to follow directions and rules. Adults hope to teach children how to be safe and enjoy life experiences. Through those moments, we are taught what is right and what is wrong. Is there really a right and wrong?

From “don’t touch the stove” to “watch both ways before crossing the street” to “don’t talk to strangers,” and other do and don’t rules, we learn that these instructions are for our benefit and safety.

Confidence and self-esteem can be built as new endeavors are tried. Some choices may cause heartache and pain while other choices may lead to new growth in personal awareness. The choice is ours to make. Follow the rules and do what is right or disobey or do the wrong thing which may lead to unwanted consequences.

Scripture shares how God revealed the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. These instructions from God share what is right and wrong. Sin enters into our lives when we disobey God. Moses then told the Israelites the words that God commanded. Those words were inscribed by the finger of God on two stone tablets.

The Ten Commandments, which are listed in Exodus 20, provide ways for God’s people to have order and peace. God has given His Word which shares God’s expectations for His children. God knows we will fail at times. Therefore, God sent Jesus to pay for our sins. The depth of love that God has for His creations is more than we can understand.

God states, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3 NIV). This means we are not to place anything before God. Not food, material possessions, wants, or anything that prevents us from putting God first in our lives. Having something other than God first in life is wrong. Having God first in life is right.

God’s instructions show us what is right and what is wrong. Humans do not always listen and obey. Just like children learn how to handle life, adults make mistakes and can learn from each wrong decision.

When we are faced with choosing the right or wrong path, one important tool to help is found in going to God in prayer. Perhaps a professional question has been presented, or maybe a family crisis has caused the question of right or wrong, or maybe there is a community-wide conflict presented. Each of these scenarios can be taken to God.

Some people say that listening to your “gut instinct” can be helpful when seeking answers. The best actions are to read Scripture, follow God’s Word, and seek Him first for answers.

Yes, there really is a right and wrong way in life. How will you make decisions today? Will you go to God and seek His guidance?

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 5:33 NIV).

In His Name,

Melissa Henderson