“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. – 1 Corinthians 10:23

Most people have primary guiding principles by which they maintain their personal integrity. They range from social input to a “gut feeling” to persuasions of faith. Often, the principles and rules come from family values and moral standards. The problem is that you live in a fallen world, and the hearts of humans are corrupted (Jeremiah 17:9).

The character of the holy and righteous God is the standard on which the believer should base his or her personal “code of ethics and conduct.” His holy and perfect nature dictate the standard against which all actions and decisions ought to be rendered, and against which they are measured. His moral characteristics include love, righteousness, mercy, gentleness, truth, and justice. Some might say, “I’m not under law; I’m under grace,” as if to excuse themselves from following God’s highest standards. But Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

When you feel as though you are between a rock and a hard place on a moral or ethical decision, pray and let God’s Word guide you. An option available to you may be lawful, and even ethical. But does it build up others and glorify the Lord? You are an ambassador and an earthly representative of Christ. What you do is observed by others, whether or not they know of that relationship. Let your actions shine His light to those around you!

Intercede for the nation’s lawmakers and law enforcers and the decisions they make, that they would encourage, rather than hinder, a relationship with the Holy God.