How Do We Know What’s Right and What is Wrong?

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Billy Graham Tribune Content Agency

How do we know what’s right and what is wrong?

Apr 30, 2018

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: How do we know what’s right and what is wrong? Did God put something inside us that’s supposed to tell us? If so, why do some people do terrible things, without even feeling guilty? — M.F.

A: Yes, God did put a sense of right and wrong within us — what we usually call our conscience. In fact, one reason we feel guilty when we do something wrong is because our conscience is speaking to us, urging us to pursue things that come “from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5).

The problem is that our conscience — that inner sense of right and wrong God has given to us — has been corrupted by sin. Have you ever known someone who had been burned over some part of their body, and their nerves were so damaged that they no longer had any feeling there? That’s what sin does to our conscience, scarring it so deeply that we’re no longer as sensitive as we should be to right and wrong. The Bible speaks of evil people “whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:2).

Our conscience is important; it still can alert us to right and wrong. But it’s not always a dependable guide, because we can deceive ourselves into thinking we’re following it when we actually aren’t. That’s why we need Christ, who comes to live within us and guide us when we invite Him into our lives.

It’s also why we need the Bible, for it is God’s Word, and He has given it to us to guide us. Make sure of your commitment to Jesus Christ, and then make it your goal to follow His Word every day. As the Psalmist wrote, “all his precepts are trustworthy” (Psalm 111:7).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

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