Today’s What’s on Your Mind ‘09 isn’t just a blog carnival, it’s also an essay contest! You can actually win $500 for writing today’s post! For more information click on the Think-Off icon above.
Now don’t get scared off! You don’t have to enter the contest. Just link up your thoughts or write them in the comments below. Let’s get started!
(wait a minute… before you read my take on this question, keep in mind, there is no right answer! You might have something already on your mind that totally contradicts my post. And that’s OK! That’s what philosophy is all about!)
Now, let’s get started!
Is it ever wrong to do the right thing?
You may have heard of a woman who was caught in a sex crime. The local law stated that she was to be killed for her act. In fact, the leaders brought her in to the town square be tried. The trial wasn’t much, just a few men picking up stones to aim at her sinful body. She must have been guilty.
These words are then spoken, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
One by one stones fell to the ground. The men, confused and frustrated were silenced and walked away.
Jesus then tells the woman, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (Matthew 8:1-11 NIV)
In my opinion, Jesus was constantly doing the “wrong thing” according to the standards of his day.
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healing people on the day of rest
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casting out demons and sending them into a herd of pigs.
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sharing his life with the common sinners and unclean people
The “right people” were astounded by Jesus’ actions. So much so, they crucified him.
“…and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 NIV)
Fast forward 2000 years to 2009. How can we apply Jesus’ philosophy of doing right even though it may be considered wrong in our world today?
In order to know right and wrong we must have a firm grip on truth. Today, truth is relative. Yet, God’s truth is the same yesterday, today & tomorrow. Therefore, connecting with the source of truth is foundational.
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Each and every day can be grounded in truth by setting a few quiet moments to reflect on the Word of God. Set a plan, find a devotional, or follow a reading pattern… but get into the Word of God.
Once your soul is steeped in truth, adventuring into the world’s relativity becomes a little easier. You may find yourself speaking up where you once would have remained quiet. People may tell you that you are wrong for sharing your Christian view points, yet you will know the truth.
It’s important to remember that “you can’t win them all!” Certainly, in our society, not every one will agree with Christ’s truth. But stay entrenched in the Word, and your foundation will be sure.
Now it’s your turn. Is it ever wrong to do the right thing? Link up using Mr. Linky below (I’m sorry that it doesn’t automatically show you the links… you’ve gotta click on it) or use the comment section. Come back later and visit others who have posted their thoughts by clicking their name in the Mr. Linky box.
Shane,
This is a great question. I enjoyed reading your response and thoroughly agree that if we don’t know right from wrong is a non-relative way, we can’t even begin to answer the question.
I will try to ponder this and come up with an answer of my own.
Blessings,
Kelli
Awesome post, Shane. I agree that to the religious world, Jesus always seemed to be doing the wrong thing! I posted on this question also and went in a different direction. Isn’t it great how diverse God made all of us?
Blessings!
I completely agree with you. Doing the right and wrong thing is all relative. Truth is relative – the “truths” of gravity are different on Earth vs the Moon. Same goes for other “truths” What planet will I spend my time on and adjust my right and wrong calibrations to – planet society, planet ego, planet Christ. Only one of these actually has an atmosphere designed to sustain life.
I have been contemplating this topic for a week now and couldn’t figure out how this is even a discussion point. As Theresa put it..right is right and wrong is wrong. Then I ready Jerri’s blog and saw the light! Yes, doing the right thing can be the wrong thing when done with the wrong attitude. Giving to others so people will see how ‘good’ you are is wrong. Leading a ministry so others will see how important you are is wrong. However, I love that our God can even take those right things done with wrong attitudes and use them for good! Thanks for the food for thought Shane and Jerri. I am anxious to give this more thought and get a post on my blog about it soon!
This reminded me of something I heard on the radio yesterday. I listen to Family Life Network (88.3 here) and they explained a situation that will be a topic for a phone in discussion today. Apparently a woman who owns a bar recently became a believer. Instead of selling or closing her establishment, she now uses it to host a Bible Study once a week. Whoever happens to be there hear’s God’s Word. This seems to have generated a lot of contraversy as to whether she is wrong in doing the right thing. I hope to tune in to hear the responses today.
Makes me wonder….what WOULD Jesus do?
Seeking Him,
Joy
When the “right” thing isn’t based on the truth of Jesus Christ and his Word, then I would tend to say “yes”… one can be wrong in doing what they think is “right.”
God’s truth is always right, and it isn’t relative. It’s absolute. It may not make a lot of sense to us looking back or even living in the current moment, but it will…make sense. One day. I do grow a bit weary in hearing others (when talking about religion) say,
“well that’s your truth and this is my truth.” No, one can’t have it both ways. If my truth is the truth, then yours can’t possibly be true.
And Jesus? He is the Truth.
peace~elaine