Musick-al Note # 166
This question is perhaps asked most often by young people who are seeking guidelines for their lives but all Christians should be concerned with knowing that their actions are pleasing to the living God. Usually this question is asked when we have a desire to do something that we haven’t done before and are uncertain as to its being proper conduct for ourselves. Some have said simply, “If in doubt, don’t.” Yet there should be a better and surer way of making decisions of great importance than this. I believe there is. First, seek the answer from God’s word. If God has spoken, then the answer is clear and final and the Christian’s question is settled. If the Word of God is silent on the matter then a second method of reaching a decision must be available. The Word of God teaches us principles upon living to help us ascertain the correctness or incorrectness of such actions, plans or desires. Using this method involves three questions which comprise the guidelines of right or wrong.
The first of these questions is, “Will this (act, word, place) honor and glorify God?” If it will bring honor to God, then the Christian can know that the object of his desire is pleasing in the sight of God. If it would not please God or glorify God but dishonor or displease Him, then the Christian will avoid doing that activity. The second question is, “Will this action help others spiritually?” If such action should cause another to stumble or be less spiritual and sin, then such should to be avoided. Our actions should be designed to draw others to Christ and not hinder them. The third question is, “Will this help myself to be more spiritual?” Will I be a better Christian because I do this thing or will I be less spiritually minded? While my influence on others ought to be good, my influence on myself ought to be of great importance. Therefore, I ought to avoid those things which degrade myself.
The final guideline for considering right or wrong is the motive of love which is to seek the best for others. While we have liberty in Christ, love binds us to high ideals and high goals in life. Love for God and Christ will bring us under subjection to obey His will (John 14:15). Love for others will cause us to seek to give our best for their good. Love for Christ will elevate us to such a plane that we will not desecrate ourselves for selfish pleasures. The question “Is it right or is it wrong?” can be answered by these principles. Those who love God and His Son who died for them will seek righteousness and will act accordingly.
Gordon Musick
Musick-al Notes 