When Is Something "Wrong"?

Is something wrong because you feel badly about it? Is something wrong only when someone gets hurt over it? Is something wrong only when enough people say it is?

In yesterday's edition of the Union Sun and Journal (Lockport, NY), there was a story called "McGwire and the Steroid Buzz." The author suggested Mark McGwire's taking steriods really isn't such a big deal. The article really has less to do with Mark McGwire or steroids. It has more to do with morality.

I agree with the author that we all make mistakes. That being the case, I agree we should be merciful. We should be careful not to be judgmental. What I disagree with is the possibility Mark McGwire did nothing wrong. What I disagree with is the idea that even if he did do something wrong, it is culture's fault. "We pressured him. The game pressured him. He just wanted to fit in and he misused a drug to do it, hurting no one but himself in the process." Is that really the message we want to send?

Mark McGwire made a mistake. He has apologized for it. He should be forgiven. What we should not do is pretend nothing bad happened. Rules were broken. Guidelines were violated. Lies were told. All that is okay?

There is such a thing as sin. Mark McGwire struggled with it. I struggle with it. Just because we struggle with it doesn't mean results should be deflected or excused. Forgiven, yes. Excused, no. Culture is not responsible for my sin. My parents are not responsible for my sin. I am responsible for my sin. Let's stop the blame game.

Something is "wrong" because it violates the teaching of the Bible. Something is "wrong" because it violates conscience. Something is "wrong" because it offends a holy God.