The Six Levels of Moral Development

(When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child, I reasoned as a child,

but when I became a man I put away childish things.)

Level One:

Legalism: is rebellious by nature. When it obeys it does so to conform and/or to avoid the consequences, (will lie and/or blame to avoid the consequences), but usually obeys only when being watched or beneficial to them. Perceives and understands in black and white, wants everything to be fair. Is rigid and intolerant of others. Functions on the “principle of pride,” therefore, is a fair-weather friend. Is self-centered, self-righteous, and selfish. Oversensitive and reacts to words or perceived feelings. Implements force, fear, intimidation, and manipulation in its relationships – needs to control others, since it can’t control itself. Cannot fit mercy into the paradigm – needs the rules for stability even if it doesn’t understand the purpose of the rules. Gives and expects back…gifts are really investments. Unable to think in the abstract…interprets things literally. Motives are self-centered concerning benevolence. Has an ingrained sense of justice as long as it doesn’t apply to them or theirs.

Level Two:

Legalism: is rebellious by nature. When it obeys it does so to conform and/or to avoid the consequences, (will lie and/or blame to avoid the consequences), but usually obeys only when being watched or beneficial to them. Will lie and/or blame to avoid the consequences. Perceives and comprehends in black and white, wants everything to be fair. Oversensitive and reacts to words or perceived feelings. Functions on the “principle of pride,” therefore, is a fair-weather friend. Is self-centered, self-righteous, and selfish. . Gives and expects back…gifts are really investments. Implements force, fear, intimidation, and manipulation in its relationships – needs to control others, since it can’t control itself. Cannot fit mercy into the paradigm fearing it will do away with the rules and cause chaos to the system. Begins to comprehend in the abstract…but is more comfortable interpreting things literally so it can avoid responsibility. Motives are self-centered concerning benevolence. Has an ingrained sense of justice as long as it doesn’t apply to them or theirs.

Level Three:

Semi-Legalism: is rebellious by nature, but understands the need for rules. Generally obeys to conform and to avoid the consequences, primarily when being watched or beneficial to them. Matures to where it will take the consequences it deserves (if caught), but may lie or blame to avoid extreme consequences. Is less sensitive, but still reacts to words or perceived feelings. Begins to see shades of gray in the black and white, though wanting everything to be fair. Functions on the “principle of pride,” therefore, still a fair-weather friend. Is self-centered, self-righteous, and selfish. Implements force, fear, intimidation, and manipulation in its relationships – needs to control others, since it can’t control itself. Gives and expects back…gifts are really investments. Selectively begins to implement mercy into the paradigm to those who are close or advantageous; begins to wrestle with double standards. Slowly develops the ability to comprehend in the abstract…and starts to see the spirit of the law instead of the letter of the law. Can see truth, yet avoids making a stand to go against the social norms. Motives are governed by self-interested benevolence. Has an ingrained sense of justice as long as it doesn’t apply to them or theirs.

Level Four:

Semi-Quasi-Legalism: is rebellious by nature, but sees the need for the rules. Obeys because society needs to preserve overall safety. Willingly accepts the consequences it deserves. Sees varying circumstances and slowly moves away from the rigidity of black and white thinking, though still wanting everything to be fair. Implements force, fear, intimidation, and manipulation in its relationships – needs to control others, since it can’t control itself. Is less sensitive but still reacts to words or perceived feelings…is still a fair-weather friend. Gives and expects back…gifts are really investments. Tends to be less self-centered, self-righteous, and selfish, but hasn’t reached the stage of disinterested benevolence. Wrestles with hypocrisy while attempting to implement mercy into the paradigm – mostly when addressing the double standards. Continues to develop the ability to comprehend and reason in the abstract. Can see truth and will sometimes make a stand, but for the sake of “the principle of pride” if it decides to risk social persecution. Has an ingrained sense of justice as long as it doesn’t apply to them or theirs.

Level Five:

Mercy: the first step to being “born again.” Supernaturally, their nature is changed and their motives begin to be sanctified. Hasn’t quite reached disinterested benevolence. They love the spirituality of the Law and grasp its higher calling. Obeys out of a sense of loyalty, decency, and respect for the rights of others. Matures to where they accept the consequences they don’t deserve. The individual no longer reacts to words or feeling, but allows the truth to set them free…therefore; they have become an all-weather friend. Can give and not expect back…gifts begin to be given without strings being attached. Applies mercy on a more consistent basis, knowing that only mercy and kindness can bring one to repentance. Is able to remove self from emotional situations and place reconciliation as the motivating priority in all relationships. Mercy now permeates the paradigm. With the aid of the Holy Spirit the individual continues to develop their ability to comprehend and reason in the abstract. They see truth and stand for the “principle of love” instead of the “principle of pride” and will surrender their life rather than surrender their freedom. Force, fear, intimidation, and manipulation ceases to enter into relationships. Respects other people’s freedom of choice…even their right to be wrong. Agapé Love is becoming imparted instead of imputed.

Level Six:

Compassion combines with mercy to form “Agapé Love.” (This is the “second touch” or “latter rain” that brings the character to fruition.) Supernaturally, their nature is changed and the motives sanctified. They love the spirituality of the Law and perceive a higher calling to the rules. They do right because it is right, without any rewards or punishments. Takes the consequences it doesn’t deserve. No longer reacts to words or feelings, but acts independently from situations allowing the truth to set them free…therefore, has become an all-weather friend. Applies mercy and compassion on a consistent basis, understanding that only mercy and kindness can bring one to repentance. Gifts or favors are given free of strings or obligations. Removes self from emotional situations and places reconciliation as the motivating priority (“a brother offended is hard to win.”). Agapé Love permeates the paradigm. The Holy Spirit strengthens the ability to comprehend and reason in the abstract. Sees truth and stands for the “principle of love” and will surrender it’s life especially when under the threat of spiritual persecution. Functions from the motive of disinterested benevolence. Agapé Love is imparted.