A Day-by-day devotional

April 26, 2023

Almost right

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 52-59

Scripture of the Day: Colossians 2:8

C.H. Spurgeon said: “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right or wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”

We can argue that there is a very fine line separating the two. Yet, we cannot deny that ‘almost right’ is still, strictly speaking, not right. This is for instance, quite like differentiating between a lie and a white lie. We may call one to be a true lie; the other, as not a real lie – an alright and okay sort of lie. However, for all we know, what we call as a white lie is still a lie. Whether it is a regular lie, or a white lie as we call them, the fact is, lying is a thing that God hates (Proverbs 6:16). White or not, it is still sin.

Discerning right and wrong is not a difficult thing. Even if you are not a believer, your conscience and moral standards help you differentiate between the two. However, in these evil times, it is often the case that wrong is twisted to such an extent for it to be considered and accepted as right. This is sadly indicative of the moral decline of our society. If this is the current case, it is no longer surprising why discerning right from almost right becomes very hard to do.

It is easy for us to be deceived in these evil times. If we are not watchful and careful, we could very likely fall into calling evil good, and sin, holy. The challenge to us as believers and followers of Christ is this: we have to be able to make a stand. We need to call sin and evil for what they truly are!

Almost right is definitely not right!

Reflection: Do you concede to the world’s standards about sin and evil when you find yourself under pressure? Remember, it is always better to please God than man.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, grant me the discernment to distinguish right from almost right. Help me to not tolerate sin in my own life. Enable me to make a stand for Jesus. Amen.