Its best to first simply define our terms. Below I have simplified the definitions from the current Webster's Modern Dictionary and Noah Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language from 1828. (which by the way is very interesting to compare other deffinitions too)You can use it online.
Ethics: The standard in which moral actions are based on. "What aught to be"
Morals: The actions reflecting our ethical standard. "What is"
Ethics is where we set the bar of right and wrong. Meaning, what is truly acceptable and what is not. Morals are our actions that show it.
At our last Youth Bible study,I asked the group if a married couple could thrive relationally and in love if they both had a different ethical standard? They said "not for long".
Then I applied this question to families. Could they be a developing and functioning unit? They also said no.
We moved from family to friendships, business, towns, cities, nations and the world. For each of them they said no, they would not thrive. I then asked them, "how do you know?" and they answered, "because we see the results of that in our own surroundings." And by the way, it affects them deeply.
The challenge is for us to examine ourselves, often, and see where we vary our ethical bar. And if so why?
In my past I realized the biggest reason I would change by bar was for my own gain. Once I noted that I also realized I could never criticize another for doing the same.
It has been my aim to keep the bar as high as God initially placed it. Not expecting perfection, that would be impossible. But wanting righteousness. Doing things with a right heart and motive. This is what pleases God.
There is so much in Bible passages regarding the importance of being upright. The results of it is better marriages, stronger families, work behavior and solid friendships. So many around us are greatly affected by where our ethical standard is placed.
If you could take a moment and consider God's perspective of the world. What does He see when He looks over the globe?
Abundant selfishness, Hatred, Murders, Stealing, Lying, Backbiting, Sexual Immorality, Oppression, Wars, Depression, Empty Lives and broken families.
Sure there are lots of good that happen, but they does not negate these terrible facts.
World change has to first start in a person, setting a proper standard in our lives and working hard to keep it, even if we risk humiliation, hurt pride, exclusion or even forms of persecution.
Let God be the judge of those things. He did say, "Revenge is mine, I will repay" Isaiah 66:24. I am very cool with that. That takes away the crazy thought that I have the right and responsibility to avenge someone when I myself need improvement.
Recently at the Squad House we took one of the ambulances and emptied it of its contents. We decontaminated the patient care area, inspected and counted the items removed. There was a list of what NEEDED TO BE in it and began to replace old with the new. The the proper items were put back in an organized manor making the truck ready for optimal function. In the future others will come and do this again. Keeping the ambulance at its required expected standard for proper and reliable service. Why should we be any different.
So the challenge is to join me and take inventory. See where you are with your standard for marriage, parenting, relationships and work.
If you want to see where God sets the bar search out the Bible in Ephesians chapters 1-6. Read one at a time and see where the bar is for each type of relationship you have in your life.
Pray that God will help you to get there as I do too.
PEACE in the knowledge to receive and joy in the wisdom you will have..
