Am I Allowing Something Other Than Christ To Control My Life?

In review of 1 Corinthians 6:12, “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.” (NLT)

I should not misinterpret the words "I am allowed to do anything." Just because Christ had taken away my sin, doesn’t mean that I can live as I please, even if what I'm doing is not strictly forbidden by Scripture. Yes Christ has taken away all of my sins, but this does not give me freedom to go on doing what I know is wrong. Also while some actions are not sinful in themselves, they are not appropriate because they can control my life and lead me away from God. Some things I do can also hurt others. Anything I do that hurts rather than helps is not right. Freedom from sin and guilt, and freedom to use and enjoy anything comes from God. But I should not abuse this freedom and hurt myself or others. I need to be careful that what God has allowed me to enjoy, doesn't grow into a bad habit that controls me.

When deciding whether to allow something into my life, I can think of this as the Independence Test. Ask: Could this begin to control and dominate my life? Could it become addicting to me? Could I become dependent on it? No matter how fun something is, it’s bad for you if it becomes an addiction.

This is important because whatever dominates my life eventually becomes my god. The first of God’s Ten Commandments—says, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3 NIV). God knew how easily I could slip into worshiping other things. He knew I could get addicted to my idols.

I tend to think of idols as something in the past, little stone statues that people put on a shelf and worshiped. But we still have idols today. Maybe I obsess with, worship, things, power or prestige. That’s not to mention all of the things I can become addicted to: Work. Sex. Money. The Internet. The list can be endless.

To better understand what addiction I’ve fallen into or something that dominates my life, consider what do I think about the most? When I’m alone, where does my mind go?

It will be hard to be honest about the things that dominate my life. If I’m thinking, “This is not what I’m addicted to. It’s probably that.

In another translation of 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul says, “I can do anything I want to if Christ has not said no, but some of these things aren’t good for me. Even if I am allowed to do them, I’ll refuse to if I think they might get such a grip on me that I can’t easily stop when I want to” (TLB).

Paul decided not to let anything, other than Christ, control his life. Jesus is the only one that’s worthy of that place in my life, too. Anything else that I put in that place will eventually dominate and ruin my life. But when Christ is in control, he encourages, enables, and empowers me.

The next time I’m deciding whether something is in its proper place in my life, use the Independence Test. Christ is the only one who deserves my dependence.

In summary, I am allowed to do anything”, but not everything is good for me. I must not become a slave to anything. Just because Christ had taken away my sin, doesn’t mean that I can live as I please, but this does not give me freedom to go on doing what I know is wrong. Also while some actions are not sinful in themselves, they are not appropriate because they can control my life and lead me away from God. Some things I do can also hurt others. I need to be careful that what God has allowed me to enjoy, doesn't grow into a bad habit that controls me. Consider the independence test, Could this begin to control and dominate my life? Could it become addicting to me? Could I become dependent on it? Whatever dominates my life eventually becomes my god. To better understand what addiction I’ve fallen into or something that dominates my life, consider what do I think about the most? When I’m alone, where does my mind go? Jesus is the only one that’s worthy of that place in my life, too. Anything else that I put in that place will eventually dominate and ruin my life.

Father, today I will consider where my thoughts are going. I pray through the help of the Holy Spirit that you help me to see those for what they are and to help me eliminate them. I pray also for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray these through your Son Jesus name, Amen.

What Will Build Me Up

In review of 1 Corinthians 10:23 it says, “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.” (NLT)

Paul gives a simple rule of thumb to help in making a decision: I should be sensitive and gracious. The goal here is not a general hypersensitivity that worries about what others might possibly think. Rather, it is a genuine awareness of others and willingness to limit what we do when there is a real possibility of misunderstanding and offense. Some actions may not be wrong, but they may not be in the best interest of others. I have freedom in Christ, but I shouldn't exercise my freedom at the cost of hurting a Christian brother or sister. I am not to consider only myself; but also consider the needs and perspectives of others.

I make many decisions every day. Most are ones I don’t even need to think about, like deciding to brush my teeth or to fill up my almost-empty gas tank. Others are matters of right or wrong, where I can rely on the wisdom of the Bible and my conscience.

Sometimes, though, I have to decide between a good option and a best option. In situations like that, I can use the Improvement Test.

The Improvement Test asks: Will this make me a better person?

The Bible talks about this: “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)

Notice in that verse the freedom I have. But as a Christian, even though I can do something, it may not be beneficial for me; not everything builds me up. Some things are not necessarily wrong, they’re just not necessary or the best.

Most choices I make in life are not between good and evil. I don’t get up in the morning and ask, “Shall I read my Bible, or shall I commit a crime?” I need to have a higher standard than right and wrong. I need to use the Improvement Test and ask what will make me a better person.

Do you know more about TV characters than about the people in the Bible, or even the people in my life? Maybe I spend hours reading books or watching TV, that fill my mind with things that don’t matter. Or I fill your weekends sitting on the couch watching and doing nothing. In today’s world, many people throw away countless hours staring at their phones.

Are these things always bad? No. Are they mostly a waste of time? Absolutely! Will they make me a better person? Absolutely not! So, the reality is, many, including myself are spending lives on second-class causes. But I don’t have to.

So as I make choices every day, don’t ask: Is there anything wrong with this? Instead, ask: Is this making me a better person?

I shouldn’t just coast along, filling up my life with things that aren’t the best. Instead, take the things I spend your life on and hold them up against God’s Word to see if they’re the best.

In summary, I am allowed to do anything,” but not everything is good for or beneficial. I need to be sensitive and gracious. it is a genuine awareness of others and willingness to limit what we do when there is a real possibility of misunderstanding and offense. Some actions may not be wrong, but they may not be in the best interest of others. I am not to consider only myself; but also consider the needs and perspectives of others. I have to decide between a good option and a best option. In situations like that, I can use the Improvement Test. Will this make me a better person? Even though I can do something, it may not be beneficial for me; not everything builds me up. Some things are not necessarily wrong, they’re just not necessary or the best. Ask: Is this making me a better person?  I shouldn’t just coast along, filling up my life with things that aren’t the best. Instead, take the things I spend your life on and hold them up against God’s Word to see if they’re the best.

Father, this is a great reminder for me as I consider what I should do with my time when I’m not working. I need to focus on that which will make me a better person, someone who makes a difference in the lives of others. I pray Father to focus on this and for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my decisions, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray this through your Son Jesus name, Amen.

When I’m Not Sure What to Do? I Can Use the Integrity Test.

In review of Proverbs 10:9 I read, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” (NIV)

When it comes to making decisions, big or small, the Bible offers plenty of wisdom. One principle it offers over and over again is what can be referred to as “the Integrity Test”.

When making a decision, ask, “Would I want everyone to know about this decision?”

If the thought of other people finding out about my decision worries me, then I’m probably making the wrong decision. Bad decisions lead to secrecy, and that kind of secret always leads to pain in life.

The Bible says: “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9 NIV).

Notice it doesn’t say “might be found out” or even “probably will be found out.” It will be found out!

I’m about to make a bad choice. I know it’s wrong, but think, “I’ll go ahead and do it because no one will ever know.” Then, as soon as the decision is made, I think, “Somebody’s going to find out!” And feel the fear that comes from that. That’s when I’ve violated the Integrity Test.

When I have integrity, my public and private life match. What’s in my heart is the same as what other people see on the outside. What I say and what I do are in harmony.

The truth is, when it comes to integrity, I may be able to fool everyone else, but I can’t fool myself. And if I violate my own conscience, I end up paying for it.

James 4:17 says, “Knowing what is right to do and then not doing it is sin” (TLB).

So when considering or making a decision, ask myself: Can I do this with a clear conscience?

Violating my conscience is a big mistake. God will forgive me for the wrong I do. But forgiveness doesn’t free me from the consequences of bad decisions.

I can be forgiven and still have regrets. I can be forgiven and still face pain. I can be forgiven and still have broken relationships.

Many decisions I make are clear-cut. But what about those where it’s harder to know right from wrong? The Bible speaks to that, too: “If someone believes it is wrong, then he shouldn’t do it because for him it is wrong” (Romans 14:14 TLB).

It’s simple: When in doubt, don’t. Whatever is not from faith in my life is sin.

The next time I’m faced with a decision, follow the Integrity Test. Ask: Am I okay with other people finding out about this decision? Can I make this choice with a clear conscience? Do I believe this is wrong?

God’s given me the wisdom of the Bible and my conscience because he loves me. The Integrity Test will help keep me on the path that God knows is for my good.

In summary, Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Ask, "would I want everyone to know about this decision?" Today's verse doesn't say, might be found out, but rather, will be found out. When I have integrity, my public and private life match. What's in my heart is the same as what other people see on the outside. Knowing what is right to do and then not doing it is a sin. So, when in doubt, don't. God has given me the wisdom of the Bible and my conscience because he loves me. The integrity test will help me keep on the path that God knows is for my good.

Father, living with integrity in my life is a key goal I set for myself a long time ago. It would often be easier to find the short way out or do something I think will benefit me only and not think about the impact it has. I pray this morning for your help and the assistance of the Holy Spirit to keep this integrity test in mind as I approach decisions or take actions. I also pray for your wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my activities and my interactions with others. I ask this through your Son Jesus name, Amen!

Making My Decisions Using the Light of God’s Word

In review of Psalm 119:105 this morning, I'm reminded that “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (NIV)

To walk safely in the woods at night I need a light so that I don't trip over tree roots or fall into holes. In this life, I walk through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be my light to show me the way ahead so that I won't stumble as I walk. It reveals the entangling roots of false values and philosophies. My study of the Word will help me see my way clear enough to stay on the right path. 

Today I”m faced with more decisions than ever before. I live in a multiple-choice culture.

And my decisions are significant. Sometimes even little decisions are like the hinges that let a giant door swing, they seem so small but can completely change the direction of my life.

Since decisions matter so much, I must be wise in how I make them. The book of Proverbs says: “If you want better insight and discernment . . . learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him . . . He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time” (Proverbs 2:3-5, 9 TLB).

To listen to God when making a decision, I need to look at his Word. Do my decisions and actions line up with God’s will? Are they in harmony with God’s Word?

I have two choices about who my ultimate authority will be: the world or God’s Word, what other people say or what God says.

If I base my decisions on current popular opinion, I’ll always be on shaky ground because culture changes every day. On the other hand, if I base my decisions on God’s Word, I’ll have a solid foundation because his truth never changes.

When making a decision, it may feel like I’m bumping around in the dark. Fortunately, God has given me a flashlight: the Bible.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (NIV).

And when the light of God’s Word makes my choice clear, just obey, even if it doesn't make sense. I may not fully understand electricity, but that doesn’t stop me from turning on lights and watching tv. I don’t understand the physics of internal combustion, but I still drive a car.

I don’t need to understand why God says what he does in the Bible to benefit from it. I just need to obey his instruction and follow his principles. He gives his instructions for my benefit, and I’ll be blessed as a result of following them.

In summary, God's Work is a lamp for feet, it lights my path. The Bible can be my light to show me the way ahead so that I won't stumble. It will help me see my way clear enough to stay on the right path. I live in a multiple choice culture. My decisions are significant, even the little ones are like the hinges that let a giant door swing open, they seem small but can completely change the direction of my life. To listen to God when making a decision, I need to look at his Word. Do my decisions and actions line up with God's will? Are they in harmony with God's Word? When the light of God's Word makes my choice clear, I need to just obey, even when it doesn't make sense. I don't need to understand why God says what he does in order to benefit from it. I just need to obey and follow his principles. In the end I'll be blessed as a result of following them. 

Father, thank you for the reminder to your Word for decisions I need to make in my life. It has just occurred to me that as I look for what my next career / job change may be, I need to consider what your Word says and what you want from me. I do want to continue to live with integrity and make a difference in the lives of others. I ask for your wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray these things through your Son Jesus name, Amen.

God’s Owner’s Manual for Life: The Bible

In review of 2 Timothy 3:17 I'm reminded that “The scriptures are the comprehensive equipment of the man of God and fit him fully for all branches of his work.” (PHILLIPS)

The whole Bible is God's inspired Word. Because it is inspired and trustworthy, I should read and apply it to my life. It is my standard for testing everything else that claims to be true. It is my safeguard against false teaching and my source of guidance for how I should live. Through it God wants to show me what is true and equip me to live for him. I should study the Word so that I will know how to do Christ's work in the world. My knowledge of God's Word is not useful unless it strengthens my faith and leads me to do good. 

Having the right equipment is often the difference between success and failure. To insert a screw, a carpenter doesn’t use a knife. When you’re under anesthesia, you don’t want your surgeon using a chainsaw. A climber on Mount Everest won’t use dollar store equipment.

Professionals are picky about using the right equipment as they know it can be dangerous if they aren’t.

Life can be dangerous, too, so it’s essential that I use the right equipment.

One of those pieces of equipment is the Bible. It’s like God’s owner’s manual for my life. Like any good owner’s manual, the Bible gives me instructions and I can consult it when I need help.

Second Timothy 3:17 says, “The scriptures are the comprehensive equipment of the man of God and fit him fully for all branches of his work” (PHILLIPS).

Four reasons to study and use the Bible:

1). To help me know God. Nature shows us how God is powerful, creative, and organized, and how he likes variety. But God reveals many other things about himself through the Bible. To know what God is like, I need the Bible.

2). To teach me the truth. In this age of truth decay, who am I going to trust? Politicians? Facebook? Twitter? The media? Jesus says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 TLB). When God speaks through the Bible, he offers eternal truth that I can count on.

3). To show me how to live. The Bible is God’s big instruction book. It includes the guidance I need to make life work.

4). To give me spiritual strength. God will always give me the power to do what he asks. You’ll find that power in the spiritual truth of his Word.

I never know what the day will bring me. But whatever it is, I can make sure I’m equipped with the Bible, God’s owner’s manual for life to guide me and provide the right perspective.

In summary, scriptures are the comprehensive equipment from God and fit me fully for all branches of my work. The Bible is God's inspired Word. I should read and apply it to my life. It is my standard for testing everything else that claims to be true. It is my safeguard against false teaching and my source of guidance for how I should live. Knowledge of God's Word is not useful unless it strengthens my faith and leads me to do good. It's the owners manual for life. It provides instructions and I can consult it when I need it. It helps me know God, teaches me the truth, shows me how to live, and gives me spiritual strength. 

Father, once again thank you for the reminder of what your Word means to me. I ask with the help of the Holy Spirit that I apply it constantly throughout my day. I also ask you for wisdom and guidance for today, my work, my tasks, my leadership and my interaction with others. These things I ask through your Son Jesus name, Amen.