Street Interview: Morality, God’s Standard, and Accountability

John: "Hi, my name is John, and I’m out here today doing some interviews. I’m a believer in Jesus Christ, and I’m just trying to understand how people think about right and wrong. I’d love to ask you a few questions. What’s your name?"

Alex: "I’m Alex."

John: "Nice to meet you, Alex. Do you believe in God?"

Alex: "No."

John: "Okay, thanks for being honest. Let me ask you something else, do you think it’s wrong to steal?"

Alex: "Yes, of course."

John: "Why do you think that’s wrong?"

Alex: "Because it’s unfair to take what doesn’t belong to you. It hurts others."

John: "That’s a fair point. Where do you think that standard comes from? Why is it wrong to steal?"

Alex: "I don’t know, it just makes sense. It’s just wrong."

John: "You’re right in that it makes sense. It’s a pretty universal idea, wouldn’t you agree? The Bible actually says, ‘You shall not steal’ (Exodus 20:15). It’s one of the commands God gave us. So, even though you don’t believe in God, you’re still living by a standard that comes from God."

Alex: "I guess I never really thought of it that way."

John: "Yeah, a lot of people don’t. Let me ask you another one if I may, do you think it’s wrong to hurt or kill another person?"

Alex: "Of course. No one should be killing others."

John: "Right, that’s a basic moral understanding. Why is that wrong?"

Alex: "Because it’s violent. It causes pain and suffering."

John: "Exactly. And once again, the Bible agrees. It says, ‘You shall not murder’ (Exodus 20:13). Now, where do you think that sense of right and wrong comes from? Could it be that deep down, you’re following a law that’s been written on your heart by God?"

Alex: "I never really thought about it, but I suppose that could be true."

John: "That’s the thing. The Bible teaches that even people who don’t know God still have His law written on their hearts. Romans 2:14-15 says, ‘For when Gentiles (non-believers), who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts.’ So even if you don’t believe in God, you’re living by principles that align with His moral law."

Alex: "That’s interesting, I’ve never really thought about it like that."

John: "It’s a lot to think about, but it helps us see that God’s truth is actually embedded in the way we live our lives, whether we recognize it or not. So, let me ask you this, when it comes to doing what’s right, where do you think accountability comes from? Why should anyone care if they live according to moral standards?"

Alex: "I think people care because we all want to live in a fair and peaceful world. We don’t want to hurt each other."

John: "That’s a good point. But here’s something to consider: the Bible teaches that we’ll all be held accountable for our actions. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, ‘For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.’ So, even though you may not believe in God, you’re still living by principles that will one day be judged by Him."

Alex: "I hadn’t thought of it like that before."

John: "It really brings things into perspective, doesn’t it? The Bible also tells us that ‘the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul’ (Psalm 19:7). In other words, living by God’s standards isn’t just about doing the right thing, it changes us for the better. It leads us toward truth and peace."

Alex: "So, what should I do with all this? How do I even start?"

John: "The first step is to acknowledge that God exists and that His standards are the truth we should live by. The Bible says, ‘If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved’ (Romans 10:9). It’s that simple. Start by accepting Jesus as your Savior and Lord of your life, asking Him for forgiveness and repenting of your sins, and making the decision to follow His ways. From there, you’ll begin to see how God’s law helps guide your life and brings real peace."

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

I’d love to hear how this post spoke to you. Have you experienced anything similar in your walk with God? Feel free to share. Let’s encourage one another in faith! Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. (1 Timothy 1:12)