Romans 1:24-32 NKJV

[24] Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, [25] who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. [26] For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. [27] Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. [28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; [29] being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, [30] backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; [32] who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

In order to measure or gauge anything, it requires a specific unit of measure. Just like height, weight, and temperature, morality has its own unit of measure. We have a legal system in place that bases judgment on following set rules and regulations. When laws are broken, punishment is expected. That is the worldly side of our moral code.

Biblical morality is often dismissed because the punishment isn't always applied immediately. We can overlook certain behaviors because that's the way we are. That is what we prefer. That is my personality type. I'm not hurting anyone but myself. Because judgment isn't swift, we take forgranted that judgment will surely come.

Anytime I stop to examine my attitude, actions, or behavior, I always find flaws in myself. I can measure up to other people pretty well. I don't, however, measure up to the Biblical definition of holy and righteous. If I concern myself only with my alignment to what is normal and acceptable by the world's terms, I will fall very short when I stand before God.

Salvation isn't a free pass to behave how I want to behave. It is my first step to sanctification. The process is really hard. I have to spend a lot of time examining everything I think, say, and do. When I fail, I don't give up. I get up and try again. I'm not competing with who I was yesterday. I am striving to become who God has created me to be today (and better tomorrow).