“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did
what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25)
A compass is a relatively simple instrument based on a
simple concept. With its
northward-facing needle, it is a consistent and true indicator of physical
direction.
The concept of morality is
also relatively simple at its absolute core. It represents conduct or duties based on what
is right and wrong. Morality is considered to be the basis of character
and is wrapped around ethics.
By placing the word “moral” in front
of compass, we envision a clear
picture of mental processes that point a person in a particular direction in
life.
So, simply stated, a moral compass is the thing inside of
us that tells us which direction we should go when we have to make
decisions involving right and wrong. This leads to behavior from which we
judge a person’s character based on whether they will make moral and good
decisions.
Is morality relative?
Hardly anyone today would deny that in the modern West,
the prevailing cultural mood is one of moral relativism. A majority of people in the United States, for
example, would deny that there is any absolute truth, especially when it comes
to matters of personal and private behavior. The problem is even more advanced in Europe. Most people have a live-and-let-live attitude,
and they voice opinions like, “What is right for you may not be right for me”
and “Don’t force your morality upon me!”
Moral relativism is the belief that there is no absolute
moral law that is relevant to all people, for all time. It’s the assertion that morality changes with
time and culture. What may have been
considered immoral just a few decades ago is no longer deemed wrong, but is now
considered acceptable and “right” in most people’s view.
In our pluralistic culture today, is it any wonder that
our moral compass points anywhere and everywhere, but to absolute truth? God is no longer considered real or relevant. Parents no longer rear their children with
biblical instruction, and young people in turn experience a virtual spiritual
vacuum.
Then, as we see the chaos that ensues, we cannot accept
the violence and depravity that surrounds us.
But we should not despair; there is hope!
God’s Word provides the unchanging instruction we need. It’s our moral compass to navigate life in a
way that glorifies Him. Take a few moments and read through some of the Bible’s
clear directions:
• Exodus
20:1-17: God’s great commands to obey.
• Mark
7:20-23: Jesus’ partial list of immoral things to avoid.
• Ephesians
4:17–5:21: Paul’s contrasting of morally right and wrong behaviors.
If we don’t take the time to study and consciously apply
God’s truth to our lives, we’ll remain spiritual wanderers. The point of our compass will simply meander along
with the directionless crowds. We need
God’s “GPS” to find our way through the wilderness. His Word alone will give us true moral
direction.
Being Christians in this chaotic world, we face the
challenge of having our ethics shaped by the culture around us. That is why we must be careful to discern the
messages we are being sent and evaluate them by the standards of God’s Word.
Our media-driven age makes this even more
difficult.
We are constantly bombarded by narratives that, sometimes
subtly and unconsciously, tell us that absolute truth is impossible to know, even
intolerant and outdated. Yet the painful
reality of today’s world screams that we have, as a culture, lost our way. We desperately need to stem the violence,
confusion and pain, but society ignores the simple and obvious—but not always
easy—solution.
May we strive not to embrace what the voices around us
are telling us is good, but call good only that which our Lord approves.
“For everyone who partakes only of milk is
not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food
is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern
good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:13-14)
Can God change
your life?
God has made it
possible for you to know Him, and experience an amazing
change in your own life.
change in your own life.
Discover how you
can find peace with God.
