Morally Acceptable

Who decides what is the right behavior and what is wrong? How do we measure what is morally right, or what is morally wrong?

If we choose to do things the way we want it, but breaks the law doing it, is it immoral? If we do something unethical or unacceptable in the sight of man or a certain group of people, is it immoral?

What is viewed as a norm in one country may be viewed in other parts of the world as inappropriate or improper; vice versa. Crossing cultures shows the difference in moral standards in this world, relative to the constructed society and governance that defines the right and the wrong.

If we indulge in gambling and drinking, is it right or wrong? At which point of addiction or compulsion are we defined as morally wrong? Is it when we are violent as a result of these addictions that we are wrong? What about desires for the opposite sex? Is it wrong for men to look at women who are created beatiful, or for women to look at men who are desirable? After all, is it not true that beauty is relative to the eyes of the beholder, and each of us are created perfect and beautiful in the image of God (Genesis 1:26)? At which point then will we be morally wrong in admiring the opposite sex? Is it only when we lust for the other (Matthew 5:28)?

Who set the standards anyway, and who benefits most from this set of rules? Is it the rulers or the citizens? Is it the saints or the sinners? If a government choose to regulate the brothels, casinos, clubs and other 'unhealthy' form of entertainment as legally acceptable, do they automatically become morally right? There are clear differences between what is morally correct in the eyes of Man and in the eyes of God.

The Law of Moses talk about many things, and many of these things are considered beyond acceptability today or even quite impossible to adhere, given the 'freedom' we have. But freedom is a choice, and it can be a bad choice or a good choice.

Say it anyway you like it, but the fact remains unchanged that morals are often relative. In effect, it is by grace we have been saved, not by works.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! (Romans 6:1-2a NAS)

For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! (Romans 6:14-15 NAS)

Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? (Romans 6:16 NAS)

But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Romans 6:17-18 NAS)

I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. (Romans 6:19-20 NAS)

Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. (Romans 6:21-22 NAS)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NAS)

The answer therefore lies in these words. Morality is measured according to the standard of God, not man!

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." —Jesus (Matthew 11:29-30 NAS)