Encouragement

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Old Morality, New Tricks
©
by

Stephen A. Peterson


In the Oklahoma City viewing area, probably elsewhere on this blue ball we call planet earth, the History Channel aired a series of programs that discussed human sexuality at various points in human history, the Bible as “The History of the Bible” (from a scientific point-of-view), then they sneaked in a “History of Moral Behavior”. I asked a number of questions, namely: “What is the point-of-view? What can I learned from these programs? Is there anything useful that I may learn or use?”

Since becoming a teenager in the middle 1960’s, I have heard and read about “The New Morality”. Thus began a career of wasting my time attempting to learn why humans behave the way they do. Many hours of collegiate hours and time were spent at mainly Indiana University—Bloomington, then the University of California—Berkley, and Oklahoma State University—Stillwater and five other schools trying to figure this out. All of this study led to the conclusion that “The New Morality” of the 1960’s through 2000’s is not new. It is old! The so-called “New Morality” was documented in 3000 B.C. China, India and Egypt, the Israel of Kings David and Solomon around 1000 B.C., First Century A.D. Rome, and the 11th century A.D. Holy Roman Empire (that was not so “Holy”). The only “new” part is are the tricks—today they have television, high speed networking systems and gigabytes to transmit information, beliefs, concepts and ideas.

While Jesus Christ was physically on earth, He told His followers to be salt and light, to be in the world not of the world, that persons who proclaimed His Name and ways would be hated and persecuted. So has things changed? NO!

The question is: “Have you or are you acceptant of the ‘Old Morality’ dressed up as new?” With this question as its basis, I developed a 4 part exercise designed to determine your moral compass. They are:

Make An Account Of Your Moral Direction: Start by asking yourself in an honest manner, whether your moral standards are worldly (lower) or Godly (higher) than they were: 5, 10 or 15 years ago.

Do you now condone behavior because “it’s the norm”, “everyone else does it”, “it’s the in thing” that you would have condemned at an earlier time? Take for example: Your job or the school you work or attend. You probably would not dream of stealing a diamond ring or whole computer station. But do you ever not give your employer a full day’s work for a full day’s pay? Have you ever padded your expense account, turned in a research paper you did not write, scream for an “A” grade when you did “C:” level work? What about your marriage, your dating relationship, relationship with others, are you in the habit of deceiving them? Do you tell your spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, children, friends the truth even if it hurt? Do you deceive others just to get what YOU want—money, sex, a favor? Do you make standards for other that you refuse to meet yourself? DO NOT HOLD BACK ON YOURSELF!!!

Seek A Godly, Biblical Standard: Attempting to make moral decisions by
impulse or by your own standards is like driving down a super highway in unknown territory with no map and drunk. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20: 1-17—NIV) and the Golden Rule (Luke 6:31—NIV) are two great principles to begin with as standards.

So many young people and adults that I work with make decisions without regard or concern for the consequences that follow. Nor do they consider what Christ would have done because they do not want a standard or think they can get away with whatever they do.

A teen recently stated to me after taking a ball point pen and scratching up some 20 plus cars thought it was fun so he did it! However, when he had to stand before a judge with cameras rolling did he know he did something wrong and stupid! So now he when he thinks he wants to do something that may be wrong or stupid, he recalls the image of having to stand before a judge with cameras rolling to deter such behaviors or acts.

Use Thought Control: All actions, behaviors, right or wrong, good or bad, begin with thought. If one can think through their actions or behaviors that lead to immoral activity and adverse consequences, one might not follow through.

I have counseled many teens and married persons who have ruined their lives thinking there were no consequences to premarital and extramarital sexual activity. The Hollywood Moment Approach To Sexuality leads to mistrust, instability, uncertainty about intent and motive. The Hollywood Approach better known as the “Addictive Sexual Cycle” is designed to make a person center their every waking moment and thought on, in this instance, sex through pornography, suggestive television program, justification of any act regardless of who, age or condition.

Take time this day to inventory your thought patterns. Select and commit to memory, four to five Bible passages that will guide your behaviors. For example: “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13—NIV)

Decide To Speak Out: Decide this day and for the remainder of your life to take a stand not only against immorality, but to speak for morality. People need to know what it is. Way too many of we Christians seem to fear speaking up for right, trust, goodness, purity, unconditional love, moral courage whenever we see it or read about it. Regardless of age, mental skills, financial condition, each of us have time, talent and treasure to offer. When public television and radio stations fund raise, they are willing to take even a ten cents donation because they know that even one of the smallest of donations will add up to support their efforts.

Study, write down and commit the Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 1-2—NIV) to memory if can. If you cannot commit them to memory write them down and carry them with you in your purse or wallet.

Make a list of ten people close to you. Opposite their name write down her or his strongest Godly virtue, then align yourself in some way with each virtue in what you say, think and do.

Write short complimentary notes or letter to individuals who have demonstrated moral strength. NOTE: THEY DO NOT HAVE TO BE LENGTHY!!!! If you keep at it, do not fear, pray, you will not only lift their spirit, conviction, dedication to morality but that of your own—one person at a time! As Dr. D. James Kennedy, Coral Ridge Ministries, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has said many, many times: “It doesn’t take much to take back this country for Christ if every Christian’s voice and actions does SOMETHING”. He is right and you know it!!!!

As you review the statements of this article, you may or may not agree with any or all. However, keep this thought in mind: If we reject immorality as unworthy, wrong and destructive, if we choose right, truth and Christ-like behavior with regret or fear because of the power if gives us, we will not longer be a part of the world’s diseases but a part of its cure and betterment.

May God richly bless your decision this day!!

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