Navigating Moral Dilemmas

While going about in our daily lives, we may occasionally encounter a moral dilemma that challenges our stance on any given issue. These dilemmas often make us feel as though we've been shoved onto thin ice, our hearts and minds waging war with each other. It is in these moments we struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we desperately want to make the right call, realizing that if we don't, our conscience and even relationships will suffer. Why is that? How is it that, unlike animals, we take the time to consider the repercussions of our actions, and its effects on others around us?

For the saints whose faith is in the Lord, God has answered in the scriptures.

26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

 27 So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27)

What makes us uniquely different from the animals and the other living creatures recorded during those 6 days of creation is that we were created in the image of God. In other word's we were made to resemble God. The question then becomes, in what way? As you read through the scripture, it becomes clear that this is not referring to flesh and bones because God is Spirit, not flesh (John 4:24). And so, what makes us in the likeness God has to be abstract. In the following chapter of Genesis, it goes into more detail about how God did this. "Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature." (Genesis 2:7). The Strong's Hebrew word used for "breath" in this verse is neshamah, which has multiple meanings, including Breath, Spirit, Breath of God, Breath of man, and Spirit of man. This word is used once again in Proverbs 20:27, in which the Hebrew word translates to Spirit. So, what does it mean to be made in the image of God? It means that when God breathed into man, he in some way imparted His spirit into us.

"But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding." (Job 32:8)

It is the spirit within us that makes us into the image of God. The capacity to think and reason and understand. The ability to love and to hate. The conscience within us that is either ashamed of our actions or is whole heartedly supportive. The spirit within us makes us more than creatures of instincts, it makes us human. And when we die, that same spirit goes back to God (Ecclesiastes 12:7).

Now why is all of this important? What does this have to do with the moral dilemmas that we face? If we understand where and how we came to be, we will have a better grasp of where to go. Indeed, if God did create us and the conscience that is within us, then he is also the originator of the morality that affirms and eases our conscience.

The Bible serves as our ultimate guide in discerning right from wrong. It provides us with timeless principles and teachings that shed light on ethical decision-making. When faced with a moral dilemma, turning to the Scriptures can offer clarity and wisdom in navigating all situations. The scripture assures us that "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3). Now, it is extremely difficult to practice the principles taught in scripture if you don't know what it says. I encourage you, oh reader, read the bible. set aside some time each day, even if its 15 minutes. The goal is to retain the information so that when you find yourself in a dilemma you can recall what you've read. Remember the bible is a story, so read it like one. It is so easy to become detached, thinking that it has no relevance to you today. That could not be further from the truth! Each person you read about, remember that they actually lived, and their lives are recorded on full display, your goal is to read and retain the events in their lives. Repeat the behaviors of the characters who were successful with God, learn from the mistakes of those who failed.

Another key element at your disposal to navigate moral dilemmas is prayer. Seeking God's guidance through prayer can help us align our decisions with His will. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 3:6, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." By seeking God's direction through prayer, we can navigate moral dilemmas with confidence and trust in His plan for us. Additionally, studying the Word of God regularly can equip us with the knowledge and understanding needed to make righteous choices. Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can cultivate a discerning spirit that guides us in making moral decisions in accordance with God's Word. Finally, seeking counsel from fellow believers can provide valuable insights and perspectives on any moral dilemma. Proverbs 15:22 advises, "Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed." Engaging in discussions with other Christians who are grounded in faith can offer support and guidance as we navigate challenging ethical issues.

As Christians, we are called to uphold moral principles and values in all aspects of our lives. By anchoring ourselves in faith and Scriptures, we can confidently navigate moral dilemmas with wisdom, discernment, and integrity. Let us trust in God's guidance, seek wisdom from His Word, and lean on the support of our Christian community as we strive to make righteous choices in the face of moral challenges.