What is Right?
How long is this line (———)? 1/2 inch? 1 inch? 2 inches? What is the only way to know for
certain? With a standard of measurement: a ruler. But what if I sincerely believe the line is 5 feet long,
would I be right? Or what if I was taught from my youth to view that measurement as 5 feet, because my
family believed the same, would I be correct? Do sincerity and feelings determine the length of the line?
Certainly we can see the folly of using such reasoning in religion. We live in a world that says,
“Do whatever you believe is right in religion and you’ll be right.” This leads us to think, “What I do in
religion must be right because my family and friends believe this way.” Is that right? Is that God’s will?
The apostle Paul warned, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than
what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8). Why would he offer such a warning if truth
in religion is whatever we want it to be? Why warn against following wrong teachings in religion if God
only wants us to be sincere? Why tell us, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one
hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all” (Eph. 4:4-6), if multiple
faiths can be pleasing to God?
Obviously, truth in religion is not what we want it to be. Since Jesus has all authority (Matt.
28:18), and inspired His apostles to teach His word (John 16:13-15), only His word can determine what is
right and wrong in religion. If we believe and practice things contrary to His will, we are wrong, no matter
how sincere (Col. 3:17; Acts 18:26). Truth is not based on what we think or feel, but on Jesus, whose word
will judge us (John 12:48). It is the standard used by God to measure righteousness. –Mike Thomas
Radio Program on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. on 99.9 F.M.
Beaver Dam Church of Christ
www.beaverdamchurch.com