"I should pray a lot."
"I need to read the Bible more consistently."
"I ought to be kinder to people and try to help others more."
What do these have in common? In philosophy they're called "moral modals": words that denote a moral obligation.So where does this obligation come from? Usually, it is a generalized sense of obligation, encouraged by exhortations from some godly people to read the Bible more, to have a consistent quiet time, to do well and be an example to others, and so forth.
All these objectives are good. But a moral modal becomes something deceitful when the authority behind it is unclear and we don't know when we've done enough or when the fulfillment of the obligation becomes sheer will power: an act of the flesh. Moral modals of this sort ensnare and trap us into obligations that can never be fulfilled. I suspect, in fact, that the enemy of our souls encourages us in these things, which have the appearance of godliness, with the aim of a distracted self-effort that takes us away from fellowship with God.
How can we tell if we're tagged by a dangerous moral modal? All such moral obligations are sourced in an authority outside of our Heavenly Father. Can you say, "God has said to me that I should pray more than I do"? If so, be obedient. If not, that's a trap, a moral modal that sounds Godly but is more of the shoulds, oughts, and musts that lead to self-defeat. When we're under the weight of a deceiving moral modal we are hindered in our relationship with God and with other believers.
Here is an exercise you can try. For the next week, avoid completely any of these terms. Instead of saying, "I should pray a lot", try rephrasing it. Say, something like, "I don't believe I'm praying the way God wants me to." That transforms a statement of helplessness into one that can lead you to action and practical repentance.The next time you hear a moral modal used in a sermon (they're sometimes surprisingly frequent), see if you can rephrase it for yourself, to make the authority clear.
How can you get free of these dangerous moral modals? In the way we get free of other traps: call out to Father for help and ask him for more of his Spirit. Ask him to help you listen to his Words and not the lies of the enemy. Do you have a wise friend that understands this? Ask that person to help you and pray for you.
"I need to read the Bible more consistently."
"I ought to be kinder to people and try to help others more."
What do these have in common? In philosophy they're called "moral modals": words that denote a moral obligation.So where does this obligation come from? Usually, it is a generalized sense of obligation, encouraged by exhortations from some godly people to read the Bible more, to have a consistent quiet time, to do well and be an example to others, and so forth.
All these objectives are good. But a moral modal becomes something deceitful when the authority behind it is unclear and we don't know when we've done enough or when the fulfillment of the obligation becomes sheer will power: an act of the flesh. Moral modals of this sort ensnare and trap us into obligations that can never be fulfilled. I suspect, in fact, that the enemy of our souls encourages us in these things, which have the appearance of godliness, with the aim of a distracted self-effort that takes us away from fellowship with God.
How can we tell if we're tagged by a dangerous moral modal? All such moral obligations are sourced in an authority outside of our Heavenly Father. Can you say, "God has said to me that I should pray more than I do"? If so, be obedient. If not, that's a trap, a moral modal that sounds Godly but is more of the shoulds, oughts, and musts that lead to self-defeat. When we're under the weight of a deceiving moral modal we are hindered in our relationship with God and with other believers.
Here is an exercise you can try. For the next week, avoid completely any of these terms. Instead of saying, "I should pray a lot", try rephrasing it. Say, something like, "I don't believe I'm praying the way God wants me to." That transforms a statement of helplessness into one that can lead you to action and practical repentance.The next time you hear a moral modal used in a sermon (they're sometimes surprisingly frequent), see if you can rephrase it for yourself, to make the authority clear.
How can you get free of these dangerous moral modals? In the way we get free of other traps: call out to Father for help and ask him for more of his Spirit. Ask him to help you listen to his Words and not the lies of the enemy. Do you have a wise friend that understands this? Ask that person to help you and pray for you.
