Speaking the Truth in Love
What Is Your Locus Or Source Of Morality?
We see anomie (an-uh-mee) all around. Webster’s says this is “social instability resulting from the breakdown of standards and values." Anomie is a state or condition of individuals or society characterized by a breakdown or absence of social norms and values. Webster’s also describes anomie as “uncertainty that comes from a lack of purpose or ideals.” We all need to choose our locus or source of our morality very carefully.
THE WORLD’S SOURCE OF MORALITY
Feelings, this includes emotional and physical:
- The bible warns against this many times (Proverbs 14:12,28:26,16:25, Jeremiah 10:23)
Conscience:
- Consciences are like computers; they can be programmed wrong.
- Paul had a “perfectly good conscience” (Acts 23:1).
- Even while persecuting Christians (Acts 26:9-11) in completed opposition to Jesus (Acts 22:4-8).
- Consciences can be damaged to the point of uselessness (1Timothy 4:1-2).
Peers/What’s popular:
- Jesus says many will enter the gate to destruction and few will enter the gate that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).
- Peter and Barnabus struggled with this (Galatians 2:11-13).
- Stephen was a victim of this (Acts 7:51-60).
- The Bible clearly warns us of the influence of immoral people in our lives (1Corinthians 15:33).
- Consider following the crowd during: Noah’s time (Genesis 6:5-7) or Joshua’s time (Num. 14:26-30).
- If you followed the crowd you would have asked for Jesus’ death and his blood to be on you and your children (Matthew 27:20-26).
Spiritual leaders:
- There are constant warnings of false teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3).
- They even can be ministers of satan (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
THE CHRISTIAN’S LOCUS OR SOURCE OF MORALITY
Jesus/God:
- The bible tells us that Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18).
- We will be judged by His words (John 12:47-50).
- Not just Christ’s words, but his life as an example for all (1 Peter 2:21-24). He was tempted in all things yet remained sinless (Hebrews 2:16-18, 4:15).
The Apostles:
- They were sent as God’s agents or ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).
- They were guided by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:11-13).
- Christians are to accept their word’s as truth (1 Corinthians 14:37-38).
God’s Word:
- Contains every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17, James 1:17-18).
- The Word is to be used in all areas of our lives (Matt. 7:21-24, 2 Timothy 2:15, James 1:21-25, 1 Peter 3:15-17).
- God’s Word shows all things that pertain to life and Godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4).
- God’s Word is never outdated or surpassed rather the Word is alive and unequaled (Heb. 4:12-13).
Peers/What’s popular:
- Our Christian peers and what’s popular among them can be a very positive influence (1 Cor. 11:1, 1 Tim. 4:12).
- Christians help one another to lead Godly lives and strive toward heaven (Galatians 6:1-2).
What is your source of morality tonight? Is it from the world or is it from God? If it is from the world the benefits you reap will only be temporary. If it is from God the rewards are eternal. Choose God as your source! Then you can be productive for Him in this life and have perfect eternal life to look forward to one day. We hope to see you back on “Speaking The Truth In Love” in two weeks.
