My Addiction
Part 7
Our choices rarely affect only us
Another problem with treating everything as nothing more than personal choice is that our choices rarely affect only ourselves. We live among other people. Our behavior reaches into families, friendships, relationships, workplaces and communities. A lie can damage trust. Betrayal can permanently change a relationship. Destructive behavior can place enormous pressure on a family. Greed can deprive other people. Abuse can leave consequences that last for years. Irresponsibility can create burdens for people who never chose to carry them.
This is why morality cannot simply be reduced to the idea that everyone should be free to do whatever they want. Freedom gives us the ability to choose, but it doesn’t make every choice good. The fact that something feels right doesn’t automatically make it right. The fact that everyone else is doing it doesn’t make it right either. And the fact that something has become normal doesn’t mean that it should have become normal.
There are still things that damage people. There are still things that destroy trust. There are still things that corrupt relationships. There are still things that we know should not be done. Some things are simply wrong. That statement sounds obvious, but it has become surprisingly uncomfortable to say in a culture where almost everything can be explained, justified or personalized.
Let’s Pray:
Lord, I am sorry for the years of destruction and carelessness towards myself and others. Reveal in me ripples that is hurting those around me. Expose anything in me that is corrupt and not of you. I pray that you will replace this heart of stone and install a new heart for your Kingdom.
In Jesus’ name – Amen!