By What Values Do We Live?
Values are the set of standards by which we live—the way we decide what is right and what is wrong. Each of us has arrived at our own personal code which dictates the choices we make. Most people think that leaving a backpack next to a family where they will likely be blown up or injured by a bomb is not only horrendous—it is totally unacceptable. A terrorist has a different set of values altogether, which most of us cannot comprehend.
The question is: “Where do we get these values?” In many instances, we were taught what we believe—perhaps by parents, maybe at school, by the entertainment media, or even our friends (peer pressure). Of course, what we believe at any given point in our lives could come from a combination of these sources.
Then there are standards that are derived from determining what is true. Some have been taught these since childhood, but others come to a knowledge of them based on efforts to want to know what actually is right or wrong. Some may seek a system that works in most situations—something seemingly practical—or they might just abide by what society goes along with at the time.
The problem with relying on society, friends, or culture is that these standards are subject to change. One society refuses to allow abortion while another permits it. Which is right, and which is wrong? Changes can occur within the same country over a short period of time. What happens when one country decides to exterminate a race of people? The same thing as when one religion wants to commit jihad against another one—disaster.
Only one standard is correct, and that is the Divine one. All others are manmade, which means that some values may be right, but others will prove to be wrong. One generation may see morals one way while another repudiates them and sets up their own. Therefore, the question should be asked, “Where did I obtain my values?” If this self-evaluation ends up anywhere besides from the New Testament, some of those principles will be wrong.
One’s personal feelings and preferences cannot be the authority for moral precepts. Using such a method would exalt oneself as the highest authority (which no one else would be obligated to accept)—even over God. The only safe and wise course to follow is to say: “I do not have my own ethical system; the only source of morality can be God Himself.”
What does our Creator say about murder, abortion, suicide, fornication, adultery, divorce, theft, embezzlement, swindling, lying, perjury, and hundreds of other topics? His standard is the only objective one; it does not depend upon any culture for endorsement; God’s standards of morality are always true in any circumstance. A person possessing wisdom will follow them rather than manufacturing his own (Jer. 10:23).