Wrong is Always Wrong

Richard Thetford

In a period of loose and sagging morals, Satan provides many rationalizations for improper behavior. Those who would live faithful Christian lives must not be ignorant of Satan's devises. Paul said, "...Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." Wrong is always wrong despite our efforts to excuse our actions. Wrong is wrong even if we don't get caught. Let us remember, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." (Proverbs 15:3).

Wrong is wrong even if we do it for a good cause. An honorable purpose does not justify a dishonorable deed. The end never justifies the means. According to 1 John 3:4 and 5:17, all sin is transgression of God's law. Wrong is wrong even if others are doing worse things. It will be of little comfort on the day of judgment if we should be lost knowing that others did things worse than our own sins.

Wrong is wrong even if it doesn't bother our conscience. The conscience can be trained or educated to accept wrong-doing, and even an honest mistake done in good conscience is sinful in the sight of God. Remember, Paul persecuted the early Christians in all good conscience according to Acts 23:1 and 26:9.

Wrong is wrong even if it is commonly considered acceptable. God said in Exodus 23:2, "You shall not follow a crowd to do evil..." Proverbs 4:14-15 says, "Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on." 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 says, "Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." Remember, there is never a right way to do a wrong!