From Kevin Funk…

I was recently driving with a friend of mine and his son while on the way to do some errands.  He said something that made me think “I wouldn’t have said that in front of a child.”  That got me thinking about what is it that helps us filter our thoughts and actions every minute we are awake?  When is it a good time or a not so good time to say and do most of the things we say and do.

I’m guessing its close to 90% of the choices you make as a Christian involve areas where Scripture says surprisingly little.  What you wear, where you go, how you spend your free time.  Of course Scripture forbids all obvious sins such as lying, cheating, stealing, murdering and committing adultery.  The Bible also tells us to pursue Jesus and grow in our faith.  No Christian seriously questions whether they should read the Bible, pray or share their faith and hope of Jesus with others.

There is, however, one class of questions that seems to fall somewhere in the middle. These are the issues dealing with Christian freedom—things that fall between what God prohibits and what He commands. What entertainment is acceptable?  What kind of music is okay?  What can a Christian do or not do on Sunday?  What about what you wear, what you eat and drink, or how you spend your free time—what does the Bible say about those things?

Some people would say the Bible doesn’t talk about those things so go ahead, you’re free in Christ!  Do what you want!  That is a very dangerous mindset when is comes to making choices throughout your life.  While it’s true the Bible doesn’t specifically list every possible decision you’ll face in life, it does address all choices with principles that govern Christian freedom. Let’s ask ourselves a few questions as we make our day to day, big or small decisions.

Will it benefit me spiritually?

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. (1 Corinthians 10:23 NLT)

So based on this verse, ask yourself, “Will doing this cause my spiritual life to grow? Will it cultivate Godliness?  If not, then you should seriously question whether that behavior is the best of choices.

Will it bring bondage or enslavement?

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12 NLT).

If what you are pursing or about to take apart of is habit forming, then why do it?  Do not let yourself become enslaved to anyone or anything.  You are a bond-servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, and Him alone.

Will it defile God’s temple?

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 NLT)

Don’t do anything that would harm your body or bring shame to it. Your body is the only instrument you have to glorify God.  How you choose to use your body should always reflect your concern to honor Jesus Christ.

Will it bring glory to God?

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT)

Isn’t our hearts cry to glorify our Lord and Savior with our lives?  Think about your decision—-will He be glorified, honored, and praised through it?  May we say along with Jesus, “I glorified You on the earth as best I could!”

So the next time you face a decision where Scripture is less than specific on a certain topic, run it through the principles above and enjoy your freedom in Christ!!