This is part 3 in the Values that Last series where I’ll be touching on discerning right from wrong. My first blog was on choosing my standard and my second one was on why my beliefs matter. Each one of us has a basis for determining what is right from what is wrong in our lives. Just because something feels right, doesn’t mean that it is. As a Christian, my authority is God, and His guide book for my life is the Bible.
As I look at 8 common pleasures in society, I can see potential for destruction:
- Eating: Like with many things, eating should be done in moderation. One should eat to live and not live to eat. It is not sin, as far as I know to enjoy a good meal or a sweet indulgence, but there are obvious consequences for allowing these indulgences to get out of control. Food can be used as a means of control as well; like in cases of anorexia or bulimia.
- Sex: The Bible clearly states that sex was made for within the confines of marriage between a man and a woman. I do not believe sex outside of marriage is better for anyone. I believe there is a true blessing that comes from using it the way God intended within marriage.
- Television: Television can be an escape for many—even if they don’t realize it themselves. I have been told that studies have shown a link between excessive TV viewing time and depression.
- Gambling: I’ve heard it said that one is seven times more likely to be struck by lightening than win a million dollar lottery. Proverbs 13:11 tells us that laboring for our money will bring increase to it. Perhaps those who work for their money are less likely to squander it? I have heard of many people who have received large sums of winnings and are not much better off than they were prior because they didn’t manage their money wisely.
- Drinking: Unless you’re causing another to stumble in their faith, having a drink of an alcoholic beverage is not wrong—though getting drunk is. Ephesians 5:18, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.”
- Movies: A potential problem with movies is the images that can be imbedded into a person’s mind. This can happen with TV as well. Like TV, movies can be an escape from reality. Remember, we’re to be innocent to what is evil. We can be watching a movie with fair intentions and run into a scene where we’re tempted to continue viewing something we shouldn’t be.
- Smoking: Our pastor made mention of people he’s known who have smoked. He recalled some smokers that loved the Lord, but truly felt dirty inside as a result of their addiction. I suppose as we think of our bodies as temples for the Spirit of the Lord to dwell in when we’re saved, it doesn’t help thinking that our temple has become an ashtray. As most everyone is well aware, smoking is not a healthy choice.
- Drugs: If you look up the Greek word farmakiah, you can see by the sound where we get our word “pharmacy” from. This word “farmakiah” not only means pharmacy, but witchcraft, sorcery and magic (refer to 5331; Strong’s). Medicines that are not prescribed by a medical doctor or practitioner for legitimate health benefits, but are illegal drugs people use to “escape”, can truly open doors to demonic oppression.
When looking at our choices in life and trying to determine right from wrong here are some things we as Christians can consider:
Does the Bible specifically say no?
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is not creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”(2 Timothy 3:16)
Does it give the appearance of evil?
“Abstain from every form of evil.” (1Thessalonians 5:22)
Does it associate me with the wrong people?
“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Does it violate God’s temple?
“Or 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 we were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
Does it cause a weaker believer to stumble?
“But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.” (1 Corinthians 8:9)
Does it control my life?
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
Is it being done apart from faith?
“…whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)
Is it against the law?
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” (Romans 13:1-2)
Have I fallen into legalism?
“These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” (Colossians 2:23)
“Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5)
Does it draw me away from Jesus?
“According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ…” (Philippians 1:20-21)
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Please visit an ongoing forum discussion we have going on at Families.com in the Christian-Evangelical section called: Values that Last: Weekly Group Discussion. We invite you to share your thoughts on discussion questions pertaining to this series.
All Scripture reference was quoted from the NKJV.