The moral drift in society

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.   Micah 6:8

Corrupt politicians, deceitful corporate managers and philandering husbands have one thing in common: They lie with impunity. But wait! That word is no longer politically acceptable. The term

is preferred to

.

Little white lies, the slightest bending of the truth, the omission of certain details or the padding of others, has become so common today that even some Christians see no moral obligation to be honest and forthright. Where does this leave us? It leaves us with scandals and the eventual collapse of society.

Social ethicist Michael Josephson has taken his crusade to business, education and government. He realized that society is facing a moral crisis. No longer is something right or wrong, moral or immoral. We have become amoral, which means anything goes. When every person does right in his own eyes, there is no foundation for integrity.

Josephson has spent the latter third of his life preaching and teaching ethics and morality. He believes that there are six pillars of character: compassion, fairness, responsibility, trustworthiness, respect, and citizenship. He believes these are bulletproof and universal, and when he is challenged, he retorts, “Which of these do you not believe in?”

Morality isn’t legislated or enforced by police and courts. It’s personal, stemming from your views of right and wrong. Your views of God and what He asks of you also determine your conduct and morality. It brings the issue of ultimate accountability. 

The Hebrew prophet Micah confronted this issue when he wrote, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Then you will resolve the issue of morality, including telling the truth.

The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. The seas have lifted up, O Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea – the Lord on high is mighty. Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O Lord. Psalm 93:1-5