The Bible does not give a “thus saith the Lord” for every situation and decision that should concern the faithful Christian. Yet, it is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness…” (II Tim. 3:16) Also, “His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue”. (II Pet. 1:3) This means that God has given us guidance or instruction for any situation in life. It may be given by direct statement, by command, by an approved example, by implication, or by some general principle. This last category is often overlooked in helping us determine what we should, or should not, do in any given circumstances, especially in making moral decisions. These principles cannot be ignored. The following questions are only a few we should keep in mind:
(1) Does the action bring glory to God? “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (I Cor.10:31)
(2) Will this bring harm to the temple of God? “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (I Cor.6:19-20)
(3) Is it more of the world than of Christ? “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
(4) Does it have the appearance of evil? “Test all things; hold fast to that which is good. Abstain from every form (appearance) of evil.” (I Thess.5:21,22)
(5) Can one engage in the activity by the authority of Christ? “ And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Col. 3:17)
(6) Is this a weight that hinders my Christian life? “… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Heb. 12:1)
(7) Is it a good (or bad) example for others? “… be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” ( I Tim. 4:12)
(8) Could it cause a weaker brother to stumble? “…resolve this, not to put a stumbling block, or a cause to fall, in our brother’s way.”
(9) Does it conflict with your duty as a Christian? “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33)
(10) Would you want your children to engage in the activity, either now or when they are older? “And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:4)
(11) Will this make me spiritually stronger? “Finally , my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” ( Eph. 6:10)
(12) What would Jesus do? “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” (I Pet. 2:21)
Surely, the faithful Christian abides by these principles.
-Richard
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