Heart of Morals

INTRODUCTION

Nearly 150 years ago, Charles Darwin proposed that morality evolved naturally in humans as a trait that helped us survive. In his view, the difference between human morality and animal instinct was just a matter of degree. That line of thinking is still with us today—not in science books, but in social media feeds, movies, and TikTok videos.

Today’s culture tells us morality is a personal choice. “Live your truth.” “Follow your heart.” “Who are you to judge?” That’s moral relativism—the belief that right and wrong are subjective, personal, and changeable.

But when we turn to the Bible—specifically 1 Samuel 26—we find a radically different story. David had every reason to kill Saul. Saul was hunting him down. David had the opportunity. People were cheering him on. But David said no. Why? Because his morality wasn’t based on what felt right, but on what was right in God’s eyes.

That’s the kind of morality we need today—the heart of morality rooted in the fear of the Lord.

Point 1: Moral Relativism

(1 Samuel 26:1–5)

Explanation

Moral relativism teaches that there’s no absolute truth—just personal perspectives. This mentality is behind most of what we see in modern media:

Talk shows say, “Everyone defines their own truth.”

Social media celebrates canceling people for one opinion while celebrating others for the exact same stance.

Celebrities preach morality in interviews, but their lifestyles often contradict it.

In 1 Samuel 26, the Ziphites tell Saul, “Is not David hiding?” They stir Saul up again. Saul didn’t need help doing evil—just a nudge. That’s how moral relativism works: it enables people to justify wrong based on personal feelings, tribal loyalty, or public consensus.

Illustration

GPS is one of the most helpful inventions of our time. It gives us fixed directions, no matter where we start. But imagine if every phone gave you a different route based on how it felt that day. That’s chaos.

Culture treats morality like that now—subjective, emotional, and ever-changing. But like a GPS, God’s Word is an objective, consistent standard to guide us through the noise.

Application

Is your sense of morality built on God’s Word—or on the opinions of others? Are you more influenced by Scripture or social media?

God’s truth doesn’t shift with trends. It doesn’t bow to popular opinion. If you want a moral compass that won’t betray you, you must root your life in the unchanging Word of God.

Point 2: Man-Made Godly Morality

(1 Samuel 26:6–8)

Explanation

Abishai says to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand!” Sounds spiritual, right? But David doesn’t act. Why? Because man-made morality often disguises itself as godly. It uses spiritual language to justify selfish motives.

This is how a lot of “Christian” influencers operate today:

Justifying anger as “righteous indignation.”

Framing selfish ambition as “God’s calling.”

Taking shortcuts and claiming “God opened the door.”

But David knew that just because the opportunity presented itself didn’t mean it was God's will.

Illustration

G.K. Chesterton said, “When people stop believing in God, they don’t believe in nothing. They believe in anything.” Watch what’s trending on TikTok or YouTube: crystals, manifestation, new age spiritualism, karma. People are hungry for morality but allergic to truth. So they create a system that feels right instead of following what is right.

David rejected that. He didn’t trust in feelings—he trusted in God’s timing.

Application

What do you justify in your life that feels godly but isn’t biblical? Maybe it's a relationship, a decision, or a grudge. Like David, you may have the perfect opportunity to act—but that doesn’t mean you should.

Be cautious of spiritual language that supports selfish action. Instead of asking, “Is this a good opportunity?” ask, “Does this honor God?”

Point 3: The Morality of God

(1 Samuel 26:9–12)

Explanation

David says, “Who can put out his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?” David understood something our culture has forgotten: real morality belongs to God. He feared God more than he feared Saul. He honored God more than he protected his own interests.

In a time when we cancel people over tweets, celebrate vengeance, and live for viral validation, David’s restraint feels radical. But it’s what real morality looks like—doing right even when no one’s watching.

Illustration

Stanton Samenow and Samuel Yochelson spent 17 years studying inmates in D.C. to prove that crime was caused by environment. Instead, they found crime was the result of bad moral choices. Later, Harvard professors confirmed that moral failure—not poverty—was the root of criminal behavior.

We’ve got a morality crisis in our culture. And no amount of education, privilege, or therapy can fix a heart that rejects God's standards.

Application

God sees your moral decisions, even the ones no one else does. When you choose integrity over impulse, forgiveness over revenge, purity over pressure—God notices.

What choice are you facing this week where the right path is the harder one? Like David, will you trust God to reward your righteousness?

CONCLUSION

At the end of the story, Saul breaks down: “I have sinned… my life was precious in your eyes.” David’s morality didn’t just spare a life—it softened a heart.

And that’s what happens when we live with the heart of morality. We show the world what it looks like to live by a higher standard—not one based on likes, feelings, or trends—but one based on the holy fear of God.

So let me ask you:

Is your morality shaped more by Netflix or by Nehemiah?

More by Instagram reels or by the Word of God?

Don’t follow your heart—it’s deceitful. Lead your heart with truth. Don’t chase culture—stand with conviction. Don’t justify sin—walk in righteousness.

Because the heart of morality isn’t about being right. It’s about being righteous. Not about being good people—but about being God’s people.