MORALITY
What is Morality? Webster defines it as principles, standards, or habits with respect to right or wrong conduct. The Proverb relates it to godliness, meaning God-designed standards. We read this in today’s devotion.
The good influence of godly citizens causes a city to prosper, but the moral decay of the wicked drives it downhill.” Proverbs 11:11
It should be understood that God created man and beast with a purpose in mind. Each species was created after its kind, which means that each one was created with some fixed attributes. Man, however, was given a special gift—the gift of reasoning. No animal can reason itself out of its created intent. A robin cannot decide its values or redesign its lifestyle. It functions according to its code and design. Likewise, man was created after his kind. However, he has two codes to live by—a conscience (a sense of right and wrong for his kind) and commandments.
We know by nature that it is wrong to kill, steal or destroy that which belongs to others—that is conscience. That’s why people do bad things in the dark or when no one is watching.
Since man was given the gift of reason, he also needs commandments. These commandments become codes for proper functioning (moral codes). We need them because with our gift of reasoning we can reason ourselves away from our created conscience.
Many rights and wrongs must be taught—these are the commandments. But some rights and wrongs are part of our created human nature—this is our conscience. When we harden our hearts and sear our God-given conscience, we become selfish, greedy and self-willed. This leads us away from our natural morals. Our conscience is not a true guide, unless it is governed by the commandments.
God made man and beast as male and female for reproductive purposes. It is only the human that practices homosexuality. Only humans become addicted to drugs and alcohol and plan abortions. It may be legal or politically correct, but these things are still morally wrong. A business deal may be legal but still violate moral principles.
May the LORD help you to understand that it is not what the majority says but what God says. God created you for a purpose and you shall give full accountability on how you conduct your life.