Lawrence Kelley.]

What makes you tick? Have you ever sat down with the intended purpose of contemplating that question? You should! What motivates you? What do you want most out of life? What type of life are you seeking? These are questions that each of us should consider in our times of thoughtful self-examination. The Bible teaches us that “no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” ( as being either “after the flesh” or “after the Spirit.” Your approach to daily questions of right and wrong evidences whether you are led by the Spirit of God through his inspired word, or led by the inclinations and desires of the flesh. Which of the two motivates you?

Many people today have the attitude of the Libertines. They declare that every situation is judged by its circumstances and that there is no standard or rule to control the fleshly inclinations of the moment. It is believed by some that there is no need for excuses and no awaiting judgment for man. No absolutes exist and therefore the gratification of the desires of the mind is the only good.

Others maintain that the ethical maxims of one’s community and heritage (including the Bible) are simply illuminators of the problems of determining right from wrong. They teach that these moral codes give assistance in decisions and yet they can be laid aside in various situations as long as the motivation is “love” for your fellow man.

But note that both of these views are extremely pragmatic and subjective. Pragmatism is the system of thought which tests the validity of all concepts and beliefs by the practical results. If something “works” then it must be right. If “good” can come from lying, stealing, murder, or adultery then it must be justifiable! This view is subjective in that every individual becomes the judge and decides when and where these moral maxims can be over-ridden. Quite obviously, this puts man in the position of playing God: man determines when God’s word can be ignored based upon his own judgment of whether the “good” that will come from his evil is sufficient to justify his actions.

Friends, we must come to realize that there is no such thing as “Christian Situation Ethics.” The ethics of the Christian have been set forth clearly and unchangeably by the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. ). A son’s love for his parents is shown by his willingness to submit to their instructions and commands. We, as God’s children, must submit to the will of our spiritual Father to be pleasing to him. And that means in every situation, not just when we think it to be the best thing to do!

Let’s never allow ourselves to slip away from the teachings and examples of Christ. We have through his instruction the greatest path of peace, happiness, contentment and hope. He has no rivals. The unchanging Jesus Christ has set forth the way that is best for us and it is the wise man who walks in his steps. It is the fool who attempts to circumvent the things of God.

Let’s repent and turn back to God when we are taken in a fault. Don’t attempt to justify your wrong-doings by the circumstances, by appealing to your weaknesses, or by blaming the influence of others. Let’s always seek to learn God’s will in every situation and then conform ourselves to His righteous wisdom. God demands this as our Creator and he offers eternal blessing if we are willing to respond to his call through the gospel.