Occasionally a small rectangular box appears in the lower right hand corner of my computer screen with the following message, “Security Essentials has detected and isolated a threat to your computer.” It then gives me an opportunity to “clean” my computer of the offending bug. Needless to say I appreciate this feature. It keeps my computer healthy. Wouldn’t it be grand if we had such a feature built into our brains to defend our characters? Each time we were confronted with something that would diminish us we would hear a small voice warning us. But wait, I think we do. It’s called our conscience.
However, our conscience is educated and honed by its environment. Social norms and cultural expectations become the standard of behavior. What I need is a voice that speaks to me the social and cultural norms of heaven. But I can quickly see that would eliminate a huge amount of my intellectual input. Most television programs would be red-flagged. The local evening news would definitely have to be turned off. Most popular music would set off a warning once I listened to the lyrics.
Philippians 4:8 is the gold standard. It says, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” I must admit I would have difficulty with the Old Testament book of Judges. There are a lot of stories there that do not meet Paul’s criteria.
I find the way to being a better person is a tricky path. I need help. Fortunately that help is available to us. The Holy Spirit is able and anxious to be our guide. We merely need but ask for help.
Written by Roger Bothwell on April 11, 2011
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org