In a time of sagging morals, Satan provides rationalizations for improper behavior. Christians must not be “ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). Wrong is wrong despite efforts to excuse actions.
Wrong is wrong, even if you do not get caught. From little things like littering the highways and breaking the speed limit to more serious offenses such as adultery and stealing, our society seems to think the only wrong is getting caught. It just isn’t so. “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 you do it for a good cause. An honorable purpose does not justify a dishonorable deed. Lying to spare someone’s feelings is still lying. Cheating on your taxes is still cheating even if you plan to use that money for charity.
Wrong is wrong, even if others do worse things. It will be little comfort at the judgment, if you should be lost, that others you knew did things considered worse than your sin.
Wrong is wrong, even if it does not bother your conscience. Consciences can be trained to accept wrongdoing, but sin is a transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4), and whoever transgresses God’s law sins, even if his conscience approves (cf. Acts 23:1).
Wrong is wrong, even if it is commonly considered acceptable. A Christian is told “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” (Proverbs 4:14–15). “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21–22).
—Adapted from Pat McGee
“Woe to those who call evil good.” – Isaiah 5:20
