The Importance of Moral Consistency
By Mark Larson
www.cvillechurch.com
“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all” (James 2:10, NASB). From the perspective of God, any type of sin that we choose to commit is a disrespect of His authority, no matter how well we have done to keep other laws or commandments of God. Sin or lawlessness is always a demonstration of disobedience to His will. Sin will always separate us from God and lead to eternal death if we continue in it and do not repent (Isa. 59:2; Rom. 6:23; Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9).
While we may readily admit that any type of sin can condemn our soul to Hell (if not repented of) we still have a tendency to categorize sin. In Catholicism, there is a special warning against the “Seven Deadly Sins” or “Cardinal Sins” (i.e., Pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and laziness). Even Christians tend to elevate certain kinds of sins as more devastating to us spiritually than others (e.g., adultery vs. lying, forsaking the assemblies vs. covetousness, etc.). James, the servant of God, rebuked the brethren for such an attitude: “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not commit murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law” (James 2:10-11).
To treat some parts of the law of Christ seriously and other parts of the law as minor, trivial, or inconsequential is moral inconsistency. As common as this practice may be, it is a grave mistake for any servant of God to make and therefore must be remedied.
Why the Tendency to Be Inconsistent?
We Often View Sin from a Personal Standpoint, Rather Than by the Standpoint of God: In our fight against sin, we are often more quick to address those sins that are personally troublesome or offensive to us. For many, there is self-centeredness instead of God-centeredness when evaluating sin. Depending on a person’s background, one may, for example, be more troubled by the sins of sexual lust, homosexuality, and the drinking of alcohol than perhaps greed, gambling, or the neglect of prayer. In addition, we frequently place a higher value on certain laws of Christ over others because we personally enjoy keeping them (e.g., singing vs. Bible study; hospitality vs. evangelism).
To combat the above tendencies, we need to develop a heart for God in all matters of life.
Rather than be angry or sorrowful over just those sins that personally affect us or personally offend us, we must learn to view sin as God does. “Thine eyes are too pure to approve evil, And Thou canst not look on wickedness with favor…” (Hab. 1:13a). “For Thou art not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with Thee” (Ps. 5:4).
In addition, we must learn to grieve as God grieves over all the sins that we commit. Consider the fact that our sin causes sorrow to the heart of God: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice” (Eph 4:30-31). Awareness that our sin is against God (Ps. 51:4) and that our sin grieves Him ought to cause sorrow in our own hearts, we who have love for the Lord. Such sorrow is essential in producing a repentance that leads to our eternal salvation (2 Cor 7:9-10).
There Are Sins or Pleasures People Do not Want to Give Up: Another reason for moral inconsistency is that many people do not want to give up their most favorite sins or pleasurable activities. For example, a person may be quick to take the moral high ground against using profanity in his speech (Eph. 4:29), yet at the same time continually partake of television shows and movies that contain cursing, swearing, and other foul language. In another example, a person may do well to pay his taxes and strive to be a law-abiding citizen of the state (Rom. 13:1-7), only to habitually speed when driving his car exceeding the speed limit. Many other examples could be given.
More often than not, moral inconsistency is due to the fact that people are “… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:4). Instead of promptly putting away all sin, they cling to those sins that are especially desirable or pleasurable to them personally. They choose “the passing pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:25b) and do their best to justify or rationalize their bad behavior as good or acceptable in the sight of God (Isa. 5:20). Just as worse, many even try to use God’s grace as a “license to sin” (Jude 4) and commonly indulge in their favorite sin “now and then.”
People Are Often More Concern About How Their Conduct Appears Before Men, Than How It Looks Before God: Moral inconsistency is particularly tempting when we are more concerned about what people think, than what God thinks (e.g., John 12:42-43; cf. 1 Cor. 4:3-4). If we are not careful, we may find ourselves practicing sin just because it is accepted by society or even by some brethren who are not yet spiritual, but carnal in their thinking (1 Cor. 3:1-3). For example, while most, if not all brethren may condemn the sin of adultery (Rom. 13:9), in contrast, the sin of covetousness (Luke 12:15), is tolerated by more brethren today than ever before (Perhaps due to living in such a materialistic society?). The brother who is moral inconsistent will reason: “I cannot get away with committing adultery, but it seems that a materialistic lifestyle is allowed!” This is of course faulty reasoning, for the viewpoint of brethren is not the authority, the word of the Lord is (John 12:48). Similarly, when it comes to keeping the law of Christ (i.e., 1 Cor. 9:21), there is a great temptation to ask the question: “Who is looking?” Sadly, some brethren attend the worship assemblies only because they know that it is expected of them and do not want others to look down on them. Therefore, they are diligent to obey the command “not forsaking our own assembling together” (Heb. 10:25). In contrast, these same brethren are not nearly so motivated to obey the command “Devote yourselves to prayer” (Col. 4:2a). This is because no one will notice if they are devoted or not. Yet, of course, there is always One who will always notice and see all that we do (or not do) and that Person is God (Heb. 4:13).
The Danger of Moral Inconsistency.
We Prove Ourselves to Be Hypocrites, Rather Than Disciples of Christ: As much as we may tell ourselves that we are Christians and appear to be so in the community in which we live, if we continually live morally inconsistent lives we are not genuine disciples of Christ! If, for example, the condition of our heart does not match the outward display of our actions, we are seen by Christ as hypocrites (Mat. 23:27-28). If we are only good at judging others and “talk the talk,” but do not “walk the walk” of a Christian (3 John 4), we are hypocrites (Rom. 2:1-3).
We Lose Our Influence for Christ: “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one should not steal, do you steal? You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you…” (Rom. 2:21-24). Non-Christians are watching our conduct and will take special note of our moral inconsistencies. Though we will not be perfect (Rom. 3:23), if our commitment toward holiness is a half-hearted effort, we will in time decrease or even diminish our effectiveness to reach others for Christ, no matter how great a teacher we may be of the law of Christ.
We Put Our Soul in Eternal Jeopardy: Remember what James, the servant of God said? “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all” (James 2:10). The principle of obedience to God requires that we strive to obey all that God has said. One part of God’s law is just as binding as another. Thus, if we disobey any law of God, we will, as a result, be guilty of the whole. If any part of our life is sinful, then we will be judged as a sinner. Any sin that we continue in will lead to eternal death (Rom. 6:23). No one will be able to plead before the throne of God on that Last Day and offer their good deeds as a way to avoid punishment for bad deeds that were never put away (i.e., repented of). Hypocrisy must be put aside (1 Pet. 2:1).
What Does Moral Consistency Require?
Not Perfection: Though we are commanded to strive for perfection or spiritual maturity (Mat. 5:48), let us not misunderstand that moral consistency demands perfection! We will set ourselves up for failure and misery by such an attitude. Such thinking is foolish and dishonest to God and us (1 John 1:8, 10).
Total Commitment: Instead of absolute perfection, God requires that we do our best to “walk in the light” or practice the truth in every area of life (1 John 1:5-7). God knows the difference between the person who is committed to His will and fights against sin, yet stumbles from time to time versus the person who surrenders to sin and continues in it.
Repentance and Confession: When we commit sin (as much as we try not to), let us not dismay, but instead repent for the forgiveness of our sins (Luke 24:47; Acts 8:22). Though sin may involve inconsistency, such inconsistency does not have to continue!
Rather, let us treat every sin as a serious matter and be quick to confess our sins to God:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
www.cvillechurch.com
“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all” (James 2:10, NASB). From the perspective of God, any type of sin that we choose to commit is a disrespect of His authority, no matter how well we have done to keep other laws or commandments of God. Sin or lawlessness is always a demonstration of disobedience to His will. Sin will always separate us from God and lead to eternal death if we continue in it and do not repent (Isa. 59:2; Rom. 6:23; Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9).
While we may readily admit that any type of sin can condemn our soul to Hell (if not repented of) we still have a tendency to categorize sin. In Catholicism, there is a special warning against the “Seven Deadly Sins” or “Cardinal Sins” (i.e., Pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and laziness). Even Christians tend to elevate certain kinds of sins as more devastating to us spiritually than others (e.g., adultery vs. lying, forsaking the assemblies vs. covetousness, etc.). James, the servant of God, rebuked the brethren for such an attitude: “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not commit murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law” (James 2:10-11).
To treat some parts of the law of Christ seriously and other parts of the law as minor, trivial, or inconsequential is moral inconsistency. As common as this practice may be, it is a grave mistake for any servant of God to make and therefore must be remedied.
Why the Tendency to Be Inconsistent?
We Often View Sin from a Personal Standpoint, Rather Than by the Standpoint of God: In our fight against sin, we are often more quick to address those sins that are personally troublesome or offensive to us. For many, there is self-centeredness instead of God-centeredness when evaluating sin. Depending on a person’s background, one may, for example, be more troubled by the sins of sexual lust, homosexuality, and the drinking of alcohol than perhaps greed, gambling, or the neglect of prayer. In addition, we frequently place a higher value on certain laws of Christ over others because we personally enjoy keeping them (e.g., singing vs. Bible study; hospitality vs. evangelism).
To combat the above tendencies, we need to develop a heart for God in all matters of life.
Rather than be angry or sorrowful over just those sins that personally affect us or personally offend us, we must learn to view sin as God does. “Thine eyes are too pure to approve evil, And Thou canst not look on wickedness with favor…” (Hab. 1:13a). “For Thou art not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with Thee” (Ps. 5:4).
In addition, we must learn to grieve as God grieves over all the sins that we commit. Consider the fact that our sin causes sorrow to the heart of God: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice” (Eph 4:30-31). Awareness that our sin is against God (Ps. 51:4) and that our sin grieves Him ought to cause sorrow in our own hearts, we who have love for the Lord. Such sorrow is essential in producing a repentance that leads to our eternal salvation (2 Cor 7:9-10).
There Are Sins or Pleasures People Do not Want to Give Up: Another reason for moral inconsistency is that many people do not want to give up their most favorite sins or pleasurable activities. For example, a person may be quick to take the moral high ground against using profanity in his speech (Eph. 4:29), yet at the same time continually partake of television shows and movies that contain cursing, swearing, and other foul language. In another example, a person may do well to pay his taxes and strive to be a law-abiding citizen of the state (Rom. 13:1-7), only to habitually speed when driving his car exceeding the speed limit. Many other examples could be given.
More often than not, moral inconsistency is due to the fact that people are “… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:4). Instead of promptly putting away all sin, they cling to those sins that are especially desirable or pleasurable to them personally. They choose “the passing pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:25b) and do their best to justify or rationalize their bad behavior as good or acceptable in the sight of God (Isa. 5:20). Just as worse, many even try to use God’s grace as a “license to sin” (Jude 4) and commonly indulge in their favorite sin “now and then.”
People Are Often More Concern About How Their Conduct Appears Before Men, Than How It Looks Before God: Moral inconsistency is particularly tempting when we are more concerned about what people think, than what God thinks (e.g., John 12:42-43; cf. 1 Cor. 4:3-4). If we are not careful, we may find ourselves practicing sin just because it is accepted by society or even by some brethren who are not yet spiritual, but carnal in their thinking (1 Cor. 3:1-3). For example, while most, if not all brethren may condemn the sin of adultery (Rom. 13:9), in contrast, the sin of covetousness (Luke 12:15), is tolerated by more brethren today than ever before (Perhaps due to living in such a materialistic society?). The brother who is moral inconsistent will reason: “I cannot get away with committing adultery, but it seems that a materialistic lifestyle is allowed!” This is of course faulty reasoning, for the viewpoint of brethren is not the authority, the word of the Lord is (John 12:48). Similarly, when it comes to keeping the law of Christ (i.e., 1 Cor. 9:21), there is a great temptation to ask the question: “Who is looking?” Sadly, some brethren attend the worship assemblies only because they know that it is expected of them and do not want others to look down on them. Therefore, they are diligent to obey the command “not forsaking our own assembling together” (Heb. 10:25). In contrast, these same brethren are not nearly so motivated to obey the command “Devote yourselves to prayer” (Col. 4:2a). This is because no one will notice if they are devoted or not. Yet, of course, there is always One who will always notice and see all that we do (or not do) and that Person is God (Heb. 4:13).
The Danger of Moral Inconsistency.
We Prove Ourselves to Be Hypocrites, Rather Than Disciples of Christ: As much as we may tell ourselves that we are Christians and appear to be so in the community in which we live, if we continually live morally inconsistent lives we are not genuine disciples of Christ! If, for example, the condition of our heart does not match the outward display of our actions, we are seen by Christ as hypocrites (Mat. 23:27-28). If we are only good at judging others and “talk the talk,” but do not “walk the walk” of a Christian (3 John 4), we are hypocrites (Rom. 2:1-3).
We Lose Our Influence for Christ: “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one should not steal, do you steal? You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you…” (Rom. 2:21-24). Non-Christians are watching our conduct and will take special note of our moral inconsistencies. Though we will not be perfect (Rom. 3:23), if our commitment toward holiness is a half-hearted effort, we will in time decrease or even diminish our effectiveness to reach others for Christ, no matter how great a teacher we may be of the law of Christ.
We Put Our Soul in Eternal Jeopardy: Remember what James, the servant of God said? “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all” (James 2:10). The principle of obedience to God requires that we strive to obey all that God has said. One part of God’s law is just as binding as another. Thus, if we disobey any law of God, we will, as a result, be guilty of the whole. If any part of our life is sinful, then we will be judged as a sinner. Any sin that we continue in will lead to eternal death (Rom. 6:23). No one will be able to plead before the throne of God on that Last Day and offer their good deeds as a way to avoid punishment for bad deeds that were never put away (i.e., repented of). Hypocrisy must be put aside (1 Pet. 2:1).
What Does Moral Consistency Require?
Not Perfection: Though we are commanded to strive for perfection or spiritual maturity (Mat. 5:48), let us not misunderstand that moral consistency demands perfection! We will set ourselves up for failure and misery by such an attitude. Such thinking is foolish and dishonest to God and us (1 John 1:8, 10).
Total Commitment: Instead of absolute perfection, God requires that we do our best to “walk in the light” or practice the truth in every area of life (1 John 1:5-7). God knows the difference between the person who is committed to His will and fights against sin, yet stumbles from time to time versus the person who surrenders to sin and continues in it.
Repentance and Confession: When we commit sin (as much as we try not to), let us not dismay, but instead repent for the forgiveness of our sins (Luke 24:47; Acts 8:22). Though sin may involve inconsistency, such inconsistency does not have to continue!
Rather, let us treat every sin as a serious matter and be quick to confess our sins to God:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
posted by Mark E Larson | 10:34 AM
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