The moral failings of politicians and elected officials have really been in the news lately.  Turn on the TV and the news stories abound, everything from a local city councilwoman who is charged with mishandling funds by paying family members more than others in a publicly funded program, to a US congressman accused of sending inappropriate pictures of himself to women on the internet.  The issue of moral failing seems to be the only issue that truly has bi-partisan support these days as both Democrats and Republicans admit to these kinds of failings.

The story lines usually go like this:  First there is denial of any kind of wrongdoing.  Then, when it is impossible to deny the truth any longer, comes the admission.  Usually, a statement like:  “I freely admit what I did was hurtful to myself, my family and others but I have done nothing wrong in relation to the performance of my duty.”  This is the “Bill Clinton defense.”  I was wrong, but not really wrong.

What kind of moral code is this?  This new morality is based on situational ethics.  It is a moral code written not in stone and applied to all situations and circumstances.  It is really more like written in sand and applies only to certain sections of the beach and often gets washed away with the ever-changing tide.  The prevailing philosophy is:  “If it feels good, do it.”  Then the rationalization applies:  “What’s the harm if I’m not hurting anyone and no one knows about it.  It’s just between me and that other person.    It’s not public and therefore no one has the right to judge.  What’s good and right to me is fine for me.  Those other moral standards only apply to people who believe in them.”

There are two things I want to say about this new morality.  First, it’s not really new.  Start reading Genesis and you only get as far as the third chapter before you find the serpent saying, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”  Then the rationalization began.  “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened . . . “  Ever since that time we have been rationalizing our own moral code, ignoring God’s standard.  That’s why Romans 3:10 says, “There is no one righteous, not even one.”  And V.23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  But it goes on to say, “And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Two things are true.  First, we have all sinned and created our own situational ethics turning away from God’s moral code.  Second, God has chosen to forgive us by way of the redemption provided by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The second thing I want to say about this new morality is that it’s not really moral at all.  God has set His standard and He has not changed His mind.  Rather, He has made a way for us to be redeemed from the situation.  And, He has provided a way for us to be changed.  Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  And, Galatians 5: 16-25 says, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. . .  The acts of the flesh are obvious:  sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.  I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Contrary to popular opinion, there is a universal morality.  It has not changed and it will not ever change.  It is as true today as it was in the beginning.  It will be true in the end when judgment from a righteous and just God is handed down.  At that time we will all be found guilty.  Those who’s names are written in the “Lambs book of life” will avoid eternal damnation.  Any “good” that has been done will be credited to the Glory of Jesus Christ who made the sacrifice for our sin and provided the Holy Spirit who’s power working within us is responsible for that “goodness.”  There is a standard.  We cannot be justified by our own distorted sense of morality.  In the end, there is just God’s morality.  Nothing else is moral.

Alan L. Thomas <><