When it comes to making moral choices, how do you decide what to do?

Is there a path that can guide us to making the right choice every time in every situation? How can we know for sure what’s the right thing to do?

It’s not enough to ask, “What is the legal thing to do?” Some things are perfectly legal but terribly immoral. For instance, nobody is going to throw you in jail for committing adultery, but that doesn’t mean it is right.

Some people rely on feelings when it comes to making ethical choices. Many people say they rely on their emotions when deciding what to do. Should you listen to your gut, your heart, your will, emotions or your friends? These are legitimate questions.

Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” The problem with listening to your heart is that your heart is contaminated by self-interest. It is hard to separate our self-interest from what is purely right and wrong.

The Bible teaches that there are some absolute moral standards of right and wrong. Regardless of our opinions or how we feel about it or what our friends say, some things are right, and some things are wrong. We must come to terms with this truth.

You may not be facing an ethical dilemma today, but you will. So when it comes to making ethical choices, what will you do?

It is wise to begin by staying focused on your purpose. What are you trying to do or accomplish with your life? Is your goal to succeed at any cost or is your purpose to honor and glorify God? Your purpose will inevitably drive the decisions you make and determine how you behave in every aspect of life.

Proverbs 11:1 tells us God hates it when we cheat. On the other hand, God is pleased when we are honest, ethical and upright in the things we say and do. Keep your purpose before you at all times. Remember why you do what you do. Your purpose will drive the decisions you make.

Next, it is always wise to seek God’s guidance through prayer. God has promised to provide wisdom to those who seek it. (See James 1:5)

Ask God to give you wisdom. Look to him for guidance. He will provide leadership and bring clarity to the issues you face today. God has promised to guide us. The question is are we willing to listen?

You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].