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In part one of this series, I suggested the difference between
questions requiring objective answers and questions requiring subjective
answers. Christians encounter questions concerning morality which
demand a subjective response. As an example of the dilemma with
which Christians may be faced, ask yourself:
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When does a fetus become a living human with unalienable, personal
human rights and protection from abortion while still in its
mother's womb?
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May Christians revolt and overthrow a government?
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May Christians consume alcoholic beverages or use tobacco?
These, and many more, questions must be answered to live morally
before the Lord. This series sets out to suggest a Biblical method
to systematically answer each question concerning moral behavior.
For the remainder of this article, let me dwell upon the first
of three steps in answering these questions. The first step is to
always remain humble and honest. We must be humble toward God, toward
men, and in our opinion of self. We must also be honest to God (although
He is all knowing), to men, and to self. Unless we are humble and
honest, we cannot uncover truth nor will we obey God.
Peter and James taught this very thing. Both quote from Proverbs
3:34 and say: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the
humble." (James 4:6; I Peter 5:5) Now this is an elementary
point, but it must be discussed in relationship to morality. Unless
one is humble, he will never turn to the Lord. And, unless we are
humble, we will not be willing to submit to God's will regarding
moral issues.
We see this evidenced by two types of people on the day of Pentecost
(Acts 2). One group of people mocked the apostles as they preached
in tongues - each man hearing in his own native language (Acts 2:5-13).
Peter then continues to preach and convicts them of the murder of
Christ saying: "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth,
a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which
God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know -
Him, being delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge
of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put
to death" (Acts 2:22-24).
As Peter continues to preach, the humble were "cut to the
heart" and asked: "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
(Acts 2:37) This situation required humility and honesty for some
to admit that Peter was right - they had taken part in murdering
the Messiah. But this is what it takes from everyone who desires
to live morally before God. We must be humble and honest to admit
our wrongs, and do what is right in the sight of the Lord.
This was the case in Ephesus as humble, honest believers came forth
admitting their evil practices. Luke records in Acts 19:18-19: "And
many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also,
many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together
and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value
of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver."
Jesus also expresses the humble and honest attitude which must
be present to bring one to obedience and says: "If anyone comes
to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children,
brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My
disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me
cannot be My disciple. ... So likewise, whoever of you does not
forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:26,
27, 33)
We begin answering questions concerning morality by approaching
the question with the proper attitude - humility and honesty. Was
this not the case with Daniel when He was faced with several moral
questions? Did he defile himself with the king's delicacies? Or,
did he humbly ask permission to be granted a different diet? Was
Daniel not honest with the chief of the eunuchs about his reasons
for a different diet? And, was he not honest with himself that it
was moral to remain undefiled, or did he try to fool himself into
believing that the extenuating circumstances validated self-defilement?
(Daniel 1)
Then, did not Daniel's friends refuse to obey the king and worship
the gold idol? (Daniel 3) Did they not humble themselves to obey
God - even at the possible cost of their own life? As POW's, were
they not honest with themselves to obey God rather than the king?
And, were they not honest in admitting their disobedience toward
the king?
In Daniel the sixth chapter, was Daniel hindered from praying to
God just because the king passed a law? Was Daniel not humble to
obey God over man, and was he not honest with himself? Or, did he
find excuses not to pray for the 30-day period and thereby save
his life?
You see, Daniel and his friends had to determine the answer to
questions concerning morality just like everyone who desires to
live a godly life. We must first be humble and honest to make moral
decisions according to the word of God. Or else, our decision will
be self-seeking instead of God-seeking.
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