What is good & what is wrong?
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The rich young ruler called Jesus “good.” Jesus replied that there is only One who is absolutely “good.” Jesus’ challenge to the ruler to abandon the world and follow Him provides an opportunity to break from our studies in Luke and consider what it means to be good. The prevailing pluralism of our day demands that we understand how to build a Christian conscience.
There are two fundamental problems for the Christian as he or she struggles with ethical principles. The first problem is to know what good is, to understand what it is that God requires and also what pleases Him. The second problem is how to have the courage to do what we know is right. We will focus primarily on the first problem.
Some of the most frustrating people we encounter are those for whom everything is either white or black, who have a simplistic and formulaic approach to every ethical issue. Sometimes such brittle and judgmental people drive us to the opposite error, which is to assume that every ethical issue comes in “shades of gray.” In fact, many ethical matters are very black and white, such as adultery, while other issues are gray, such as whether to let your child attend a certain concert.
In the gray realm are adiaphorous issues because they are neither right nor wrong in themselves. Eating meat sacrificed to idols, for instance, is neither right nor wrong in itself; the question concerns our attitude when we do it. If we believe that such meat has magical power, we must avoid it. Similarly, playing ping pong is neither good nor bad, but if you become addicted to it and your family suffers, you must break your addiction. At the same time, from God’s standpoint nothing is neutral. Everything I do either pleases God or displeases Him, because everything I do is either done in faith or is sin.
Outside perspectives and authority are often necessary to clarify what is “good,” especially when a situation looks “gray.” Hone your conscience by reading, discussing, and praying about ethical issues. Ensure that your opinions persuade others to do what is right, not wrong.
