Big Idea
Our thinking/conscience is shaped by our culture and "customs." The morals of culture come from human tradition and impersonal rules - that seem to come from nowhere, therefore they can be changed to fit the thinking of the current age. But, God is the Great I am, and if He is God is a people, He determines what is right, and what is acceptable. His rules are based on His own being, character, and nature - the I AM, and therefore they cannot be changed since he does not change. Therefore, His people are to be distinct from the cultures and traditions around them - they are to honor His name, by living out His standard of holiness that reflects His holy character and nature. We must be aware that our conscience, or sense of right and wrong, of morality and holiness, has been heavily influenced by a culture that does not honor God or represent His glory, and we must, therefore, be very diligent to choose God's laws in spite of how we may feel about things. Choosing God, and His atonement also means choosing to follow His ways and to distinguish ourselves from the culture around us, no matter how much they may despise us for our differences.
