by Rick Rice
Ah, morality, the glue of civilization, the discernment of what is right and what is wrong. We have volumes of laws that tell us what not to do, and the earthly consequences that go with breaking these laws. We have armies of people in positions of authority who go around 24/7 “correcting” the masses who break these laws, yet this does not stem the tide. What happened to society’s moral compass? Why is it so hard for so many to simply do the right thing? I am not going to attempt to answer these questions here; I will simply refer you to Genesis 3 and tell you it has been downhill from there. That said however, we have been sent help. We do have an instruction manual to help those of us who will take the time to read it.
I would have to say, when I find myself doubting my ability to make a moral decision, I first think of the long journey we are all on to become imitators of Christ. I find that the more you imitate Christ, the more moral decisions you will make. When Christ himself was asked what the most important commandment was, he said, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31, NIV).
When I need step-by-step instructions, I turn to my favorite list-maker Paul. He says, live by the Spirit (moral) and stay away from your sinful nature (not moral). Hmmm, how do I know where the sinful nature lurks? Well, “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21, NIV). If you find yourself stumbling down this path, turn around.
Ok, so now that I’ve turned away from the debauchery, how do I know I am living by the Spirit? By the fruit of course. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law… Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:22-23, 25, NIV). When the sinful nature really puts the pressure on, I turn to this piece of spiritual rebar from Paul: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Cor. 10:13, NIV).
As you go through the rest of your day, week, life, out in this world, I recommend keeping this piece of advice in an easy to reach place: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love”(1 Cor. 16:13-14).
