Discerning Right from Wrong

"Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours." -1 Kings 3:9

King Solomon was a wise king. The Bible says that he was the wisest man who lived during that time! (1 Kings 4:31) God was pleased that Solomon did not ask for wealth and riches at the beginning of his rule -- instead, he asked for wisdom to govern God's people well and to know the difference between right and wrong.

Many times when we are just coming to know God, we are not really aware of sin in our lives. We may not know what is good or bad for us. More often than not, through life experience, the influence of culture and our upbringing we become desensitized to sin -- without even realizing it.

As we get to know God more and get a revelation of His ways, certain things that were once okay just don't feel right anymore. This doesn't mean we're free from sin, but it means sanctification becomes a part of our walk with Him, leading us to paths of righteousness, or right living.

"He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name." -Psalm 23:2&3

One of the biggest roadblocks you and I will run into in life is discerning between right and wrong. I've heard it said this way: "Being a Christian has two pillars -- one is a relationship with God and righteousness -- the other is a non-relationship with wrongdoing."

Can you discern right from wrong in your life? Pray today that God will give you a discerning heart and mind so that you can be led by the Holy Spirit's leading in your life.

Related resource: The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel

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