Ian Anthony Dale, an American actor, once remarked: “A lot of the time, a moral compass is all that separates a hero from being a villain; otherwise, the two are very much the same. Both are generally the richest and most complex characters, and they get to have all the fun. I guess it's those types of roles that I ultimately gravitate towards.” Romans 12:1-2 states: "I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
A moral compass is defined as a person's ability to ascertain the difference between right and wrong and act accordingly. It can apply to many different circumstances in life and usually relates to a person's basic principles appertaining to a specific subject. Personal integrity often plays a major role in this particular field and usually defines the qualities and strengths of a person. Proverbs 11:3 states: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.”
Decision making features prominently in our daily lives and most people want to make the right choice wherever possible. The values we perceive as to what is right and what is wrong, ultimately affect our final actions, they also display a strength of character to others which determine our general lifestyle. If we are inconsiderate and have little regard for others, then we will often be considered as selfish and uncaring. This is not a good stance to adopt in life and may incur repercussions from some. If you take the wrong stance on a contentious issue, you are more than likely to become unpopular or even rejected by others.
Most people have independent values on what is right and wrong, this can stem from their initial upbringing and the principles that their parents adopted in life. This is often considered the foundation stone to a person’s moral compass. Proverbs 22:6 states: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
However, individual views can change over time and this can lead to a wandering off the correct and righteous path of life. The Ten Commandments that God decreed to all through Moses should be considered an essential foundation stone, but, alas, does not cover every eventuality in life. There are often other factors that determine a particular course that needs to be considered in the final decision of a particular action. Romans 13:8-10 reminds us: “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
Circumstances in life can determine a code of ethics adopted by individuals. Ethics, which are also referred to as moral philosophy, is synonymous with a moral compass and is defined as the discipline concerned with what is morally good and bad. It also includes what is morally right and wrong. It could include such questions as “Can a particular action be justified?” or “Is there a better course that is available?”
1 Corinthians 13:1-5 reminds us: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.”
Just as a navigational compass can guide one when travelling, a moral compass guides a person in the correct direction in life. However, others may influence that course. If we associate with the wrong type of person who does not believe in any form of righteous behaviour, then the chances of deviation from a righteous course in life are considerably enhanced. 1 Corinthians 15:33 confirms: “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
It is a sad fact of life that some people lack a moral compass and continue through life in their own misguided way. They believe that they know best and will not listen to ethical suggestions from others. They will continue to do things that they know are wrong and even sinful but lack the courage and integrity to change their ways. They lack personal shame for their misdeeds due to the fact that they feel justified that their actions are necessary. They may be prone to harm others either physically or mentally, disregarding the psychological harm that their actions engender.
Stealing and other illegal activities may feature prominently in their lives. David Herbert Lawrence better known as D. H. Lawrence, an English writer and poet, once commented that: "Morality which is based on ideas or an ideal, is an unmitigated evil." If we feel that our own individual moral compass in life is lacking in certain ways, we need to undertake reformative actions to restore it. We can do this in many ways including taking responsibility for our actions, focusing on our integrity and rationalizing our actions in an attempt to show a justification. However, the most effective method available to us will probably be personal prayer with God, as He will guide us back on to the correct path in life to righteousness.
Unfortunately, the personal preference for some is to avoid the challenge of maintaining a positive moral compass in favour of a life based on evil activities instead. Although they may believe that this is the only solution available in their particular situation, it may sadly often result in remorse. Romans 13:1-5 reminds us: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.”
Amen.
