Is Your Morality Getting in The Way of Truly Following Jesus?

Our world is brimming with diverse beliefs and moral compasses. It always has been — it always will be. Often the quest for spiritual clarity often leads us to seek unshakeable moral certainty. However, in our pursuit of such certainty, we might inadvertently stray from the core essence of Jesus’ teachings.

The Mirage of Moral Certainty

In the quest for moral certainty, we often find ourselves clinging to rigid doctrines or dogmas, mistaking them for the essence of faith. This pursuit — though well-intentioned — can lead us down a path of legalism, where rules overshadow the spirit of the teachings. Jesus’ ministry, however, was marked not by an unyielding adherence to dogma but by a radical call to love and compassion.

Jesus’ teachings consistently redirected focus from the letter of the law to the spirit and intent of the law. He emphasized understanding and compassion over strict adherence to rules.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'” This statement is a profound reminder that the heart of faith lies in understanding and living out the principles of love and mercy, rather than in the rigid adherence to rules and rituals.

The Dangers of Dogmatic Rigidity

When our faith journey becomes solely about adhering to moral certainties, we risk losing the essence of what Jesus taught. Dogmatic rigidity can lead to judgment, exclusion, and a lack of compassion—traits that are contrary to Jesus’ message of inclusive love. By focusing solely on moral certainty, we risk creating barriers that Jesus sought to break down.

Following Jesus means embracing a journey of faith that acknowledges our human limitations in understanding the divine. It is a path marked by humility, where we recognize that our moral compasses are not infallible and are man-made, subject to man’s selfish thinking. Instead of seeking absolute moral certainty, following Jesus invites us to engage in continuous learning, growth, and an ever-deepening understanding of love and compassion.

The Path Forward

To truly follow Jesus is to walk a path of love, understanding, and humility. It means accepting that our journey with faith will be filled with questions and uncertainties, yet trusting in the overarching message of Jesus’ teachings. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember that the heart of Jesus’ message is not found in moral certainty, but in the transformative power of love and compassion.

The path of following Jesus is not a journey towards moral absolutism but a journey towards understanding, love, and compassion. It is about living out the teachings of Jesus in a way that brings us closer to the essence of our faith, unencumbered by the need for unshakeable moral certainty. Let us embrace this journey with open hearts and minds, guided by the enduring principles of Jesus’ message.