“So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

There is one other popular philosophical argument for God’s existence, known as “the moral argument.” In its simplest form, it argues for the existence of God based on the innate sense of right and wrong we have. This explains why most fictitious movies and novels end with good triumphing over evil. The natural heart of people wants good to win, and when it does not win, we are offended by it.

Rarely will a cause exist that is overtly evil. Even the most evil movements in history have been justified by their followers believing they would accomplish good. A prime example is the humiliation the people of Germany suffered with the Treaty of Versailles, which formerly ended World War I. Germany was held responsible for the war and forced to pay billions of dollars in reparation for the damage caused across Europe. They were stripped of assets, foreign lands acquired, and prohibited from securing any form of military strength. The infrastructure of Germany collapsed, and economic ruin drove the people to destitution and despair. Hitler, a powerful orator, rallied the nation behind him because he had the people believing he would restore Germany’s land, rights and dignity. This was the good the people wanted to achieve, but tragically the masses were ignorant of Hitler’s lust for war and deeply seated motives of conquering Europe, creating a superior Aryan race, and ultimately conquering the world.

The fact that we view the world through a moral lens is evidence that we are the creation of a moral God. We were made in God’s image, designed to reflect His character, but without the indwelling Spirit of Christ, we lack the capacity to do so. Still there remain the fingerprints of God’s moral character inherent in our consciences. Paul explains, “Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them” (Romans 2:14-15).

Our environment and upbringing affect how we view morality, but this cannot explain why we all share universal ideas of good and evil. Our consciences serve as a moral compass, pointing true north to a higher power outside of ourselves that determines right and wrong. We can ignore, violate and distort our consciences, but the fact that we have a conscience forces us to wrestle with the truth that a God exists who determines morality and places within us an inherent sense of right and wrong.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You that even people separated from You retain knowledge of right and wrong. May this draw them to recognize Your existence and their need for You.