MORALITY BY PUBLIC PRESSURE IS NOT MORALITY

By A. W. Tozer
 

For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may
put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
                                                             - 1 Peter 2:15

   Carnal fear may take either of two opposite direc-
tions. It may make us afraid to do what we know we
should do, or afraid not to do what we have reason to
think people expect us to do.

   There is a foolish consistency which brings us into
bondage to the consciences of other people, but this
morality by public pressure is not pure morality at all.

   At best it is a timid righteousness of doubtful
parentage; at worst it is the child of weakness and fear.

   A free Christian should act from within with a total
disregard for the opinions of others. If a course is right;
he should take it because it is right, not because he is
afraid not to take it.

   Any act done because we are afraid not to do it is
of the same moral quality as the act that is not done
because we are afraid to do it.

   The way to escape this double snare is simple. Make a
complete surrender to God; love Him with all your heart
and love every man for His sake.

   Determine to obey your own convictions as they
crystallize within yourself as a result of unceasing prayer
and constant study of God's Word.

   After that you may safely ignore the expectations of your
friends as well as the criticisms of your enemies.

   You will experience first the shocked surprise of the
 regimented army of lock-step believers, then their
grudging admiration!

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Yours in Christ,
Paul N. F.