Morals and Morality: Divine Standards for Living

Understanding morality through the lens of God's unchanging standards provides a firm foundation for righteous living in an increasingly permissive world.

The Foundation of Divine Morality

The moral foundation of the universe is an expression of God's own nature, and everything is governed by it. Those who disregard His commands will face the consequences of their sin. God's righteous morals are known in the hearts of all humanity, yet fallen nature, so often in rebellion, insists on breaking these principles (Rom 1:19-32, 2:12-16, 7:14-24).

As we will be judged by God's standards, we should live by them

The world's values of character and conduct are degenerating, becoming increasingly different from God's high, unchanging standards. This degradation is sometimes termed 'The new morality' where each person does as they feel like or think best, contrary to the traditional concept that God wants humanity to conform to a fixed divine standard (Mt 5:1-7:27).

However, humanity is not at liberty to change the rules and sin with impunity. We should regularly ask ourselves: am I conforming to the world's views and allowing it to squeeze me into its mould, or am I holding fast to the values outlined in the Bible? As it is against the standards of the Word of God that we will be judged, it makes good sense to live by them (Jn 12:48).

Guarding the Heart and Maintaining Purity

The Bible instructs us to, "Guard your heart more than any treasure for it is the source of all life" (Prov 4:23). The solid foundation of an ongoing vital relationship with Christ must be maintained and protected at all costs. We must establish and reinforce robust safeguards and boundaries.

Diligently protect and do not compromise God's standards

Satan is always on the lookout to ensnare us and get us to sin. After giving in to temptation, it is a long, hard road back to regaining what was forfeited. A lifestyle that honours God involves considering ourselves continually dead to the old sin nature—getting rid of it and putting on new godly qualities and characteristics (Rom 6:4-22; 1 Cor 15:31; Gal 2:20; Eph 4:22-24).

This lifestyle involves shunning bad company and keeping oneself untainted from the world (Job 31:1; 1 Cor 15:33; Jas 1:27). The Bible states: flee the wrong, and pursue good qualities (1 Tim 6:11). It is not sufficient to give mental assent to the theory of a righteous lifestyle; it must be practised too, otherwise we become hypocrites—preaching one thing while doing the opposite (Mt 23:13-29; Lk 3:8-14).

Private and Public Morality

God's Word clearly forbids certain activities (e.g., murder, stealing, adultery); in other areas, the Bible gives principles to govern our conduct—doing what is most honourable and best, which is also what we would like others to do for us (Lk 6:31). Sometimes preferences, cultural beliefs, leaders' opinions, and even the media become the basis of moral standards.

True character is revealed in private thoughts and choices

Both public and private morality matter. When private life is ignored, public life ultimately deteriorates and crumbles too. The measure of a person's real character is what they would do if they knew they would never be found out. Corruption, bribes, deceit, and sexual misconduct have infiltrated society (Jn 12:48).

While lust and impure desires may be contained within the inner thought life, Jesus said that if the action is wrong, even having the wrong thought is sinful, for which we are accountable (Mt 5:27-28). We are faced with many choices each day to either follow Christ or give in to the flesh (Rom 12:1-2, 13:14; Gal 5:16-24; Heb 12:2; 1 Pet 2:11). Just because most others are adapting new, lower standards doesn't mean we must conform to peer pressure by compromising on His standards.

Reflection and Application:

Examine areas where worldly values may have influenced your moral standards.
Identify boundaries you need to establish to guard your heart and maintain purity.
Consider how your private choices align with your public profession of faith.
Reflect on the eternal significance of living by God's unchanging standards.