Do the Bible's Standards of Right and Wrong Matter Anymore?

Should religious leaders ignore what the Bible says about right and wrong?

No! The Bible contains the truth about God and how he wants us to behave.  ( 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-23)  He desires that people come to know this truth. (1 Timothy 2:3, 4)   Christian ministers therefore must teach what God's Word says. - TITUS 1:7-9.

Many people who do not want to listen tot he Bible's moral standards look for religious teachers who will "tell them what they want to hear."  (2 Timothy 4:3)  Yet, God's Word contains this sobering warning: "Woe to those who say that god is bad and bad is good."  ( Isaiah 5:20) Clearly, God will hold accountable religious leaders who do not accurately teach peple what God's says is right and wrong.

Do the Bible's moral values condone intolerance?

No. Those who want to please God follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ. He taught his followers not judge others but instead to show love and respect for all. - MATTHEW 5:43. 44; 7:1.

Those who follow Jesus were to uphold God's moral standards in their personal life. However, they were to accept the fact that other people may choose to follow different beliefs.  (Matthew 10:14)  Jesus did not authorize his followers to use politics or any other means to force God's views on others. -JOHN 17:14, 16; 18:36.

What are some benefoits of living by the Bible's moral values?

Those who try to follow God's standards of right and wrong will enjoy benefits  now and in the future.  (Psalm  19:8, 11) These include.

* Increased joy. - PROVERBS 29:6.

* Close friendship with God. - PROVERBS 3:32.

* God's help during difficult times. - PROVERBS 11:8. 

* The prospect of everlasting life on paradise earth. - PSAlM  37:29. 

Next time: How to Be Humble - WHAT IS HUMILTY?

From the jw.org publicatons