Daily Devotional - October 3rd, 2025
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
“You cannot assign moral equivalence to people’s behaviors and choices just because they claim it is part of their culture, tradition or belief system.” — Alma Ohene-Opare
Commentary:
In today’s world, moral relativism often disguises itself as compassion. The argument goes: “Who are we to judge another culture, tradition, or belief system?” While it is true that every culture has unique beauty worth honoring, and diversity can be celebrated in matters of custom and expression, this does not mean that all behaviors carry the same moral weight.
God’s law is not a cultural preference; it is eternal truth. Practices that degrade human dignity, oppress the vulnerable, or celebrate sin cannot be excused simply because they are embedded in tradition. For example, Scripture consistently teaches that life is sacred, that family is ordained of God, and that honesty and justice matter in every nation under heaven. These are not Western values or Eastern values—they are divine values.
True compassion does not mean turning a blind eye. It sometimes requires the courage to say, “This tradition or behavior may be cherished, but it does not align with the higher law of love, dignity, and truth.” Even within our own families and communities, we must be willing to test traditions against the light of God’s word. What may have been handed down for generations might need to be purified by eternal principles.
Moral equivalence is dangerous because it erases accountability. If all choices are equally valid, then no choice is wrong. But Christ calls us to righteousness, not relativism. He loved the woman caught in adultery without condoning her sin. He honored people while still calling them to repentance. That balance, grace with truth, is our pattern.
Scripture:
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
Daily Application:
Take a moment to reflect on your own family or cultural traditions. Are there practices, assumptions, or “the way things have always been done” that you’ve never questioned? Hold them up to the light of God’s word. If they promote love, integrity, and dignity, embrace them wholeheartedly. If they hinder your spiritual growth or harm others, have the courage to let them go, even if it means breaking with long-standing customs. True discipleship often requires reformation before tradition.