Moral Values That Truly Enrich

Christina could not believe her eyes!  She had just found a black plastic bag containing a very large sum of money-the equivalent of her wages for more than 20 years!   And she knew who lost it. What she do? What would you do?  Your answer will reflect your view of honesty and your commitment to this moral value. 

What are values?  They are moral or ethical principles that we view as good and important.  They might include forgiveness, honesty, liberty, love, respect for life, and self-control.  Our values, therefore, influence our behavior, priorities, and relationships, as well as the moral guidance to give to our children. Despite their importance,however, moral values are in decline.

AN EROSION OF VALUES

In 2008, researchers in the United States interviewed hundreds of young adults about their views on moral issues.  "What's disheartening is how bad they are at thinking and talking about moral issues," said David Brooks in the New York Times.  Most felt that rape and murder were wrong, but "aside from those extreme cases, moral thinking didn't enter the picture, even when [they were] considering things like drunken driving, cheating in school or cheating on a partner."  As one young person put it.,"  I don't really deal with right and wrong that often."  Many viewed the matter this way:  "If it feels right, do it. Go with your heart." Is that thinking wise?'  (Note: No, because that is Satan not 
God letting know it is right. And if you think that way, then your way is the 
wrong way, and they/you don't have a conscience) 

The human heart, while capable of great love and compassion, can also be 'treacherous and desperate.'  (Jeremiah 17:9)  This sad reality is reflected in the world's changing moral landscape-a trend the Bible foretold.  "In the last days," it said long ago, "people will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited," as well as "unkind [and] violent." Also, "they will hate the good" and "love pleasure rather than God." -2 Timothy 3:1-5, Good News Translation. 

Those realities should move us to question our own heart, not blindly trust it!  Indeed, the Bible frankly states:  "He that is trusting in his own heart is stupid."  (Proverbs 28:26) Like a compass, our heart needs to be calibrated with sound values if it is to serve us well.  Where can we find such values?   Many look to the Bible itself, appreciating both its wisdom and its candor. 

Next time: Moral Values That Truly Enrich/VALUES THAT WE CAN TRUST

From the jw.org publications