1/29/23 - A Note from Pastor Ben
As we think about wisdom and decision-making, the majority of decisions we make on a daily basis are on the immediate, intuitive level. However, from time to time, it’s good to slow down and think about some of the questions that should sway our decisions, especially when dealing with issues classified as “gray areas.” Consider the following questions when dealing with a gray area:
1. Will it build me up spiritually?
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up (1 Corinthians 10:23).
We are to make every effort to grow in Christ-likeness and cultivate godliness. We are to leverage everything at our disposal to intensify our tastebuds for the Kingdom of Christ. So, if doing something has no benefit spiritually, there should be an appropriate reservation from partaking in it.
2. Will it defile God’s temple?
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Since our bodies are temples, we want to honor God with what we put in our bodies, what we do with our bodies, and what we do to our bodies.
3. Will it lead others into temptation or sin?
Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak (1 Corinthians 8:8-9).
The last thing we want to do as a Christian is cause a brother or sister to be entangled in sin. We should be promoting light and holiness. Ask yourself this question, “Are fellow Christians more or less holy and joyful because they’re around me?”
4. Will it bring glory to God?
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
The reason we exist is to glorify God. The most intense pleasure one can experience is when he lives his life for the glory of God. Nothing compares to this. Don’t believe the lie that something is better than Jesus. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Hopefully these four questions that are rooted in Scripture can serve as a helpful filter when wrestling through issues as you pursue godliness in your life.
- Pastor Ben
1. Will it build me up spiritually?
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up (1 Corinthians 10:23).
We are to make every effort to grow in Christ-likeness and cultivate godliness. We are to leverage everything at our disposal to intensify our tastebuds for the Kingdom of Christ. So, if doing something has no benefit spiritually, there should be an appropriate reservation from partaking in it.
2. Will it defile God’s temple?
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Since our bodies are temples, we want to honor God with what we put in our bodies, what we do with our bodies, and what we do to our bodies.
3. Will it lead others into temptation or sin?
Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak (1 Corinthians 8:8-9).
The last thing we want to do as a Christian is cause a brother or sister to be entangled in sin. We should be promoting light and holiness. Ask yourself this question, “Are fellow Christians more or less holy and joyful because they’re around me?”
4. Will it bring glory to God?
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
The reason we exist is to glorify God. The most intense pleasure one can experience is when he lives his life for the glory of God. Nothing compares to this. Don’t believe the lie that something is better than Jesus. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Hopefully these four questions that are rooted in Scripture can serve as a helpful filter when wrestling through issues as you pursue godliness in your life.
- Pastor Ben
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