Morality

Morality is a key component in the success of any society. Webster defines it as principles, standards, or habits with respect to right or wrong conduct. Without a moral guide that regulates behavior, individual self-control will not exist. Without a moral standard a society cannot function properly.

Everything created has a DNA and within it is its code of behavior and purpose. In the case of animals, they have definite behavior patterns that will help them fulfill their purpose, it is their instinct. People are different than animals because they possess the gift of reasoning. This capacity allows them to know, understand and follow values that will determine the consequences of their actions.

Apart from reasoning, human beings must first have the codes to understand life. The first is the conscience, the ability to discern good from bad; secondly we have the commandments and universal principles.

We know by nature that it is wrong to kill, steal or destroy that which belongs to others; that is our conscience. That’s why people do bad things in the dark or when no one is watching.

Since man was given the gift of reason, he also needs rules. These rules become codes for proper functioning (moral codes). We need them because with our gift of reasoning we can reason ourselves away from our conscience.

Many rights and wrongs must be taught, these are the rules, but some rights and wrongs are part of our human nature, this is our conscience.

When we fill ourselves with human justifications and ego, we make immoral decisions. Our mind is self regulated and we have the choice to adhere to universal principles and the code of proper conduct or we can choose not to.

Our forefathers understood this. That’s why our constitution and system of laws are structured around these universal principles.

1. People with good morals are transparent, they have no problem looking people in the eye, and their conscience is quiet.

2. They don’t feel guilty or uncomfortable when talking about a code of ethics or morality. The commandments and the universal principles teach us how to build good relationships with others and how to create and sustain a society with good morals. Understanding and living in accordance to the principles is not a matter of religion or ideology, it is simply about building a healthy life and society.

3. When we live and structure ourselves and our societies upon these universal principles we do ourselves a favor because life is valued and we respect our fellow man. Society benefits greatly when its citizens follow these moral codes.

1. Learn and reflect on the universal principles. Since human beings are free to think, there is a need to feed our thinking with what is positive and morally right. If we don’t then our behavior is shaped and dominated by impulses, desires, and human justifications.

2. Be careful not to distort the principles and values. If our minds begin to justify our actions then we can come to the place where we misinterpret the values and call good bad and bad good. Our thinking and conscience need to be fed and structured with the commandments and universal principles. That is what keeps us safe from justifying our behavior. If our minds are lined up to the universal principles then our actions will be moral.

3. Be sincere and honest with your intentions and compare them to the principles, if they pass the test they are moral. Remember that repeating moral actions generates a sensitivity to continue acting morally. The opposite is true; continuing to act incorrectly will harden the heart and separate us from morality, from people and from our purpose and intentions.

4. Follow a morality that includes justice for everyone concerned. Be guided by a code for what is correct and incorrect. The clearest concept to be just is don’t do to others what you would not like others to do to you. This is not a suggestion, it is a necessity.

5. Discern the difference between legalism and morality; some people have a problem seeing the difference. Laws should be supported by the universal principles. Abortion and certain drugs can be legal, but not necessarily good morality. Read, investigate, and see for yourself if this is so.

6. Develop common sense. The majority of the moral values are simply a matter of common sense. Use common sense to understand the “why” we need universal principles. Teach others and especially children how to use common sense.

Do you think our nation has made any errors when it comes to morals? Why?

What will the impact and effect have on society if we lose morality?

What will the impact and effect have on society if we gain morality?