Being a Christian means being different. Never is this more obvious than when it comes to morality. This is because the standard that determines what is morally right and wrong for the Christian and non-Christian is so different. There is much moral skepticism in our society today. Moral skepticism is any theory that maintains that moral principles cannot be established. To the moral skeptic, morality has no rational basis. He concludes that the difference between right and wrong is simply a matter of opinion or theory.

For the Christian, morality is determined by a different standard. We realize that God is the One Who determines what is right or wrong. Has God set forth an absolute standard of morality that is applicable to all? Yes! That standard is the Bible. The Bible is our code of ethics. It is our measure of right and wrong. We live by it because we know it will be our standard of judgment on the last day (John 12:48).

To maintain our Christianity, we must remain true to the moral principles of the Word of God. The Bible has very specific things to say about how we should conduct ourselves morally.

Romans 6:12-13 (ESV)
¹² Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. ¹³ Do not pre-sent your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.

We must use our bodies as instruments of righteousness. Young people in the body of Christ are constantly tempted to cave-in to the immoral practices of this world. Sexual immorality is normal behavior in our society. Long past are the days where the majority of people believed that sex outside of marriage is wrong; nevertheless, the Bible still condemns it (Hebrews 13:4).

We must flee fornication regardless of what form it takes (1 Corinthians 6:18). Sex outside of marriage is never okay. We must stay true to our morals by teaching this to our children both in our homes and in our local churches. It is important that we teach them, not only to avoid the act of fornication, but to flee it. To avoid it is to just not commit the sin. To flee it is to stay clear of situations, places, and practices that can lead to it.

When we stay true to the moral principles of the Bible, it will be reflected in every area of our lives. We will refrain from dressing in the garb of ungodliness, dressing modestly instead. We will ab-stain from corrupt communication, and, conversely, use our tongues in a way that is in accordance with our moral standard. That means we will not curse, gossip, lie, backbite, etc., for it is all immoral in the eyes of God (Ephesians 4:29). We will not frequent places where sin is being celebrated and unrighteousness is prevailing all around us because we know that bad company corrupts good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Staying true to our morality is essential to our own salvation, and also necessary if we hope to ever have a good influence on those around us. While compromising is sometimes necessary, it is never acceptable when it comes to living by the standard of God’s Word.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.