“In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).

The last verse of the Judges explains why so many awful events took place in Israel during the time of the Judges. Every person was doing whatever seemed right to him. Since there was no king, prophet, or priest to lead the people, everyone simply did what seemed best at the time.

When you read through the book of the Judges, you begin to see what happens when everyone is doing what is right in his own eyes. The book contains some of the most sordid events in all of the Bible.

Are we living through that time?

Think with me about how we live.

We live in a time when truth is basically what I want it to be or think it should be. This is known as post-modernism. Post-modern thought assumes that “right” is “what is right to me.”

This train of thought leads to the multi-culturalism and political correctness of today. It is the modern day equivalent of every man doing what is right in his own eyes.

In the day of the Judges, this way of reasoning led to terrible atrocities in the name of doing what seemed “right.” Judges 17-21 is not a happy passage of Scripture to read. We need to read it nonetheless so we understand the horrors of not having any standards and beliefs.

Should we be surprised at terriorist groups in the Muslim world? Beheadings and rapes can be justified in the name of religion. Even religions of violence cannot be questioned because truth is whatever we wish it to be. Though these acts are condemned in our society, do we assume they are right in theirs?

How do we counteract this way of thinking?

First, make sure you have a firm foundation based on God’s revealed truth. Scripture was given to reveal God. As we know and follow Him, we live according to His direction. Right belief brings right behavior.

Second, live out your faith. Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father.

Third, pray fervently for spiritual revival in the church and regeneration in the world. Pray that God would make Himself known to the nations.

Finally, seek to share your faith. The world has come to our door. May God use us to help others know Him.

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