Faith Can Change Your Life

IT MOST certainly is possible to have good values without a God."  This was the assertion of an agnostic.  She said that she had raised her children with high moral values, and they, in turn, had brought up their children with similar high standards-all without faith in God.

Does this mean that faith in God is unnecessary?  Evidently this person thought so.  And it is true that everyone who does not believe in God is not necessarily a bad person.  The apostle  Paul spoke of "people of the nations" who do not know God but "do by nature the things of the law."  (Romans 2:14)  All-including agnostics-were born with a conscience even if they do not believe In the God who gave them that innate sense of right and wrong.

However, a solid faith in God-one that is based on the Bible-is a much more powerful force for good than the unaided guidance of the conscience.  A faith based on the Word of God, the Bible, informs the conscience, makes it keener in discerning right from wrong.  (Hebrews 5:14) Moreover, faith strengthens people to maintain high standards in the face of enormous pressure. For example, during the 20th century, many countries came under the power of corrupt political  regimes, which forced apparently decent people to commit terrible atrocities.  However, those with true faith in God refuse to compromise their principles, even at the risk of their lives.  In addition, a Bible-based faith can change people.  It can redeem lives that seem lost and help people avoid serious mistakes.  Consider a few examples.

Next time: Faith Can Change Family Life

Watchtower,2000