Wrong Is Wrong!

I guess it’s only natural that, for as long as we live, we’re always seeking friendship and guidance from those a little older, more experienced and wiser. I can only speak for myself, but I think it to be generally true, we go about learning from others more by observation, rather than “one on one” counseling. Everyone, at one time or another, has borrowed from the characteristics of another, whether they be good or bad. “Like father-Like son” and “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” are statements about the character passed from parent to child. As we grow we are influenced by teachers, coaches, co-workers, neighbors, political leaders, movies and theater, TV personalities and on and on. I’m learning more and more every day that even my little non-essential life, in my mind, is influencing someone with a character that could last for generations.
Due to over-crowding in an African animal reserve, several adolescent male elephants were moved to another reserve. Left alone in the new area, gradually the “teenaged” elephants became unruly. They even formed gangs, throwing branches and killing rhinoceroses. The managers of the reserve began to take pictures and keep “rap sheets” on each offender. Such a problem had never before developed. Because they had no correction facilities for these juvenile delinquents, some of them were “put down”. Finally, those in charge decided these young bull elephants did not know how to behave like elephants. They needed role models, and father figures; someone who would bring them under control. Some big bull elephants were shipped in and immediately the youngsters learned who was in control. They got whipped into shape in a hurry, and the killing of rhinos ceased. Isn’t it amazing what a little adult supervision can accomplish.
[Proverbs 29] In a period of loose sagging morals, Satan has provided many rationalizations for improper behavior. Those who would live faithful Christian lives must not be ignorant of his devices. Wrong is Wrong even if you don’t get caught. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good”. (Proverbs 15:3) Wrong is Wrong even if you do it for a good cause. The honorable purpose does not justify the dishonorable deed or action. “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4) Wrong is Wrong even if others are doing worse things. It will be little comfort to you in the Day of Judgment, if you should be lost, that others you knew did things you consider to be worse than your own sins. Wrong is Wrong even if it doesn’t bother your conscience. The conscience can be trained or educated to accept wrong doing, but even an “honest” sin or evil done in sincerity is sinful in the sight of God. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) Wrong is Wrong even if it is commonly considered acceptable. “You shall not follow a multitude in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice. (Exodus 23:2) The Christian should – “Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on.” (Proverbs 4:14-15) “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22) What sort of character are you sharing with the eyes that are watching and wanting to be like you?