God's Commands as the Basis of our Behaviour

Why should we expect to be able to know right from wrong? Morality isn't written into the universe the way facts of nature seem to be: it's a matter of human choice, and people choose to respond to moral issues in different ways.

The framework of Kohlberg's theory consists of  three general levels of moral development .

 Level 1: Preconventional level

At the preconventional level, morality is externally controlled . Rules imposed by authority figures are conformed to in order to avoid punishment or receive rewards. This perspective involves the idea that what is right is what one can get away with or what is personally satisfying.  Behavior is determined by consequences. The individual will obey in order to avoid punishment.  Behavior is determined again by consequences . The individual focuses on receiving rewards or satisfying personal needs.

 

Level 2: Conventional level

At the conventional level, conformity to social rules remains important to the individual . However, the emphasis shifts from self-interest to relationships with other people and social systems. The individual strives to support rules that are set forth by others such as parents, peers, and the government in order to win their approval or to maintain social order.  Behavior is determined by social approval. The individual wants to maintain or win the affection and approval of others by being a “good person.”  Social rules and laws determine behavior. The individual now takes into consideration a larger perspective, that of societal laws. Moral decision making becomes more than consideration of close ties to others . The individual believes that rules and laws maintain social order that is worth preserving.

 

Level 3: Postconventional or principled level

At the postconventional level, the individual moves beyond the perspective of his or her own society . Morality is defined in terms of abstract principles and values ​​that apply to all situations and societies. Individual attempts to take the perspective of all individuals.  Individual rights determine behavior. The individual views laws and rules as flexible tools for improving human purposes. That is, given the right situation, there are exceptions to rules. When laws are not consistent with individual rights and the interests of the majority, they do not bring about good for people and alternatives should be considered.  According to Kohlberg, this is the highest stage of functioning. However, he claimed that some individuals will never reach this level. At this stage, the appropriate action is determined by one's self-chosen ethical principles of conscience. These principles are abstract and universal in application. This type of reasoning involves taking the perspective of every person or group that could potentially be affected by the decision.

In the first reading, Moses said to the people: “"Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe. In your observance of the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I enjoin upon you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it.” Why did he say that? Firstly,  Obedience is not about blind conformity; it is about recognizing God's wisdom and trusting in his plan . Statutes and degree should help to improve human purposes .

The second reading states: “Dearest brothers and sisters: Every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change. Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls ( Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27).  Moses emphasizes the importance of preserving God's law. He instructs the Israelites to teach their children and grandchildren these commandments, to pass them down from generation to generation. This is a reminder that our faith is not something we possess individually; it is a shared heritage, a tradition that connects us to the generations that have gone before.  James begins by emphasizing that wisdom is a gift from above. It is not something we can earn or achieve through our own efforts. It is a free gift, a manifestation of God's grace in our lives. This understanding of wisdom is liberating. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. We can turn to God for guidance, for understanding, and for the wisdom.

In the Gospel when the Pharisees and writes asked Jesus, "Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?" He responded, "Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition ( Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23) ."

What does it mean to be pure or impure of heart? Intentions matter; motivations matter. Jesus, quoting Isaiah, tells the Pharisees and writes that they are honoring him with their lips but not their hearts; in other words, they were paying him “lip-service.” “Oh those Pharisees!” we might say. They are easy to criticize and pontificate upon, aren't they? But how about us? It is worth looking at ourselves and honestly asking whether there might be times when we, too, are simply offering lip service to God? Are we truly offering him our hearts when we engage in our traditions and our activities? Our goal, as Jesus' disciples, is to be “doers of the word and not hearers only,” as James puts it so succinctly in his letter to him. We are to hear God's words and commandments and then act on them in love.