Discerning between right and wrong in a confusing world

In studying the Sunday School lesson I thought this was an interesting little object lesson and quote. Sometimes discerning between right and wrong can get a bit confusing. When we have those times, we need to look at where we are in comparison to the "iron rod" and the "great and spacious building". If we are on the Lord's side of the line, the truth doesn't look quite as gray. The quote by Elder Scott from the lesson also reminded me of this quote by Elder Bednar, which follows.

I guess the truth is not always as confusing as we like to make it. Sometimes the truth is confusing because we are trying to justify or excuse our actions or someone else's.

Lesson 10: “He Inviteth All to Come unto Him”, Book of Mormon Class Member Study Guide, 7

Suggestion for Family Discussion
Have a family member stand in the center of the room. Explain that in this demonstration, the area to the right of that person represents all the good things that can be done in life. The area to the farthest right represents the very best things that can be done. The area to the left of the person represents all the wrong things that can be done in life. The area to the farthest left represents the very worst things that can be done.

Explain that Elder Richard G. Scott presented a similar object lesson. Then he observed: “In the middle, it is difficult to discern what is right and what is wrong. This middle area is where Satan works with righteous people. … It is easy to become confused here. Live well within the wonderful area of good the Lord has defined, and you won’t have any problems with temptation. If you are not sure whether something is appropriate to look at, to listen to, to think about, or to do, then avoid it. You could be headed for one of Satan’s traps” (“Do What Is Right,” Ensign, June 1997, 53–54).

The standard is clear. If something we think, see, hear, or do distances us from the Holy Ghost, then we should stop thinking, seeing, hearing, or doing that thing. If that which is intended to entertain, for example, alienates us from the Holy Spirit, then certainly that type of entertainment is not for us. Because the Spirit cannot abide that which is vulgar, crude, or immodest, then clearly such things are not for us. Because we estrange the Spirit of the Lord when we engage in activities we know we should shun, then such things definitely are not for us.
That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us, Ensign May 2006
Elder David A. Bednar
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles