How do we decide what the right thing to do is?

I would like to start by quoting two statements from the Bible.

Jesus said something like this:

1. Those who are not against Me are for Me.
2. Those who are not for Me are against Me.

These sentences seem to be contradictory, until we examine the context of these quotes.

When Jesus' disciples asked Him to stop others from preaching because they were not in Jesus' "camp", Jesus told them the first statement.
Basically, I believe that Jesus' aim was to tell the disciples to stop judging others.
After all, God is the one who truly knows who His followers are.

When it was time to emphasise on personal responsibility, Jesus mentioned the second statement.
That is, nobody can take a neutral stand about God.
God does not accept people's excuse to sit on the fence, or to be idle.
In fact, this view is further supported by the warning that "luke-warm" Christians will be spit out.

I would like to use these two statements to talk about sin.
Whether a person is sinning or not depends on two factors:

1. Does he know if something is sinful or right?
2. What action is he taking about this matter?

As such, there are a few permutations:

1. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does not do it.
2. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does it due to his sinful nature.
3. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does it wilfully (to relieve pain or to gain pleasure).

4. He knows that it is sinful, and he does not do it.
5. He knows that it is sinful, and he does it due to his sinful nature.
6. He knows that it is sinful, and he does it wilfully.

7. He knows that it is right, and he does not do it.
8. He knows that it is right, and he does it reluctantly.
9. He knows that it is right, and he does it willingly onto God.

I have the following comments about these situations:

1. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does not do it.
This is usually the behaviour of a child who is brought up well by his parents.
He may not understand the definition, but he is obedient to his parents.
This is a plus.

2. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does it due to his sinful nature.
This is the basic tendency of a child.
Even a born-again believer is like a child.
While I am not sure of where God finally draws the line, I believe that this is excusable, at least initially, because a person would finally grow up and realise the truth.
Some people say that children who are not baptised will be in hell, if they suddenly die.
I do not believe that is what a just God has in mind.

3. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does it wilfully (to relieve pain or to gain pleasure).
This is usually the tendency of someone with low intelligence or sanity.
He may not be smart or rational enough to realise that his actions are hurting others.
I also believe that this is excusable, although I would not like to have one of them running around freely in my neighbourhood.
I believe that these people need help.

Eventually, most of us would know if something is right or wrong, because of our conscience.
Few can truly say to God that he does not know and is thus innocent.

4. He knows that it is sinful, and he does not do it.
This is the conscientious effort of a born-again believer.

5. He knows that it is sinful, and he does it due to his sinful nature.
This is the struggle of a born-again believer.
Nobody can say that he does not sin.
Whether this is excusable depends on God who knows him the best.

6. He knows that it is sinful, and he does it wilfully.
This is the tendency of those who commit crimes wilfully, and thus is not excusable.

Obviously, most of us would fall into the "knowing" category.

7. He knows that it is right, and he does not do it.
This is defiance, and also not excusable.

8. He knows that it is right, and he does it reluctantly.
This is like the son in the parable who told his Father that he would not obey Him, but regretted and did it later.
This is valued by God too.

9. He knows that it is right, and he does it willingly onto God.
This person would bring God much pleasure.

Although God will eventually judge us based on our individual response to Him, He loves us deeply no matter what.
What are you waiting for?

Turn to Him now.

Which special need do we have?

I do not envy those families with a child who has special needs.
By that, I refer to the child who has some difficulties living a normal social life.

In a sense, I really respect those who choose to tough it out.
It is their love for their child that enables them to bring him up.
The child with severe disabilities may never be able to achieve normal independence.
One day, their parents would pass away, leaving the poor child behind.

That is why I often pray that my children would never be born with special needs.
I would not be able to handle them, I think.

Yet, don't we all have a special need?
In this, I refer to the need for Jesus.
Without our connection to the Father, we would be left behind orphans, living a most wretched life.

Praise God for sending Jesus.