Morality - What is Right?

Morality means "doing what is right". There are two definitions of morality. They are 1) an obligation 2) that which produces good results. In the Bible, the writer of the Book of Hebrews says Jesus Christ made the universe and upholds it by the word of His power. (Hebrews 1:2,3) Since Jesus Christ sustains the universe and sustaining the universe produces good results, His words are a good place to look to determine what is right.

Morality is considered to be universal if it is an obligation of all men at all times in all places. According to Jesus, there are two commandments of men. They are loving God with all one's heart, soul, mind and strength and loving one's neighbor as one's self. (Mark 12:30,31) Since these two commands were given by the sustainer of the universe, it stands to reason that exploration of these commands will lead to learning, 'What is Right?'

Loving God means obeying Him. (John 14:15;15:10) Obeying God produces enjoyment of life and well being. (Psalm 119:50) Obeying God also produces peace. (Isaiah 32:17) Loving one's neighbor as one's self means serving him. (Luke 10:25-37; John 13:14) Loving God and one's neighbor are obligations that produce good results. Therefore, they are universally moral.

The first step to loving God is to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. God the Father said of Jesus, "This is my beloved Son....Hear Him! (Matthew 17:5) Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord brings one into a relationship with God. Therefore, this is the first step of obedience and the first step of loving God.

The seond step to loving God is being led by the Holy Spirit and living by the written Word of God (the Bible). The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, Teacher and Guide of all persons who accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. (John 16:13) He leads them into all truth. The Word of God is truth. (John 17:17) It gives instruction and enjoyment of life. (Psalm 119:50,105) The only way to serve one's neighbor is to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit and to be instructed by the Word of God. Jesus said the only way to be a servant is to abide in Him. (John 15:4) Abiding in Jesus means being led by the Holy Spirit and living by the written Word of God. This is what is universally right.

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