Ethics

Every person has a system of ethics. Almost no one always acts according to what they say their system of ethics is. From the blasphemer to the prostitute to the high court judge, every one has a system of ethics - a standard by which they judge what is right and wrong - but no one lives up their own standards ALL THE TIME. This fact points strongly to our NEED FOR A SAVIOR.

Though we fail to keep certain standards - some much more so than others, it is nevertheless important that we have standards. Otherwise, it will not bother us if we do the most harmful and hurtful things, or if we fail to do those things which are most vital. We should be willing to think about why we have the standards we do in relationship to our behavior.

Christian ethics is based upon the commandments of God given in the Bible - especially to love your neighbor as yourself. If an action is not good for someone else, if you wouldn't like it done to you - Christian ethics would suggest not to do it. On the flip side, God expects us to take positive action as well - just as the Good Samaritan did in the parable of Jesus. We are told to go and do likewise - just as that man did.

The many complex issues of Christian ethics arise as we attempt to understand what God's way of love actually means in a particular situation. We will need the guidance of the Holy Spirit in particular situations in order to actually DO what God wants - no system of ethics can substitute for the presence of the living God in our lives - and His personal involvement.