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Location: Stewardship

Guidelines for judging right from wrong

by Crown Financial Ministries

We live in a society in which average is exceptional and slothful is normal.

The trend among many Christians today is to seek the path of least resistance, and when the going gets difficult these
Christians either give up or blame it on God by saying that He has changed His will for their lives.

Compromise
In school, when the total grades are averaged together, it''s called “grading on the curve.”

In our present Christian American society, we have allowed our standards to be graded on the curve of the world's standards.

On many occasions we are no longer “the lights in a world of darkness.” Instead, we have found it easier to adjust our
standards to conform to those of the world.

The affluence of the American way of life has provided a mixed blessing.

On the one hand, our prosperity has made life much easier and has freed a great deal of money to spread God's Word
throughout the world.

On the other hand, prosperity demands a great deal of time and attention. In fact, the urgency of our materialistic lifestyle
has become a tyranny that demands most of the energies of the typical American Christian.

Consequently, time that we normally would have spent in prayer and meditation with God and His Word has been substituted
with time spent to maintain our things-centered lifestyle.

Along with the shift away from spending time with God has come a spiritual desensitizing: there is no longer an obvious line
between right and wrong. Instead, there is a gray line where situational ethics, which attempt to balance traditional Christian
values with the sometimes questionable values of the world, determine a Christian's direction or action.

However, God's Word tells us that, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Colossians
3:23).

His Word also reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your
ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

In order for us to be able to stand for righteousness and godliness, we must live our lives according to His standards. “For
those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed” (1 Samuel 2:30).

What would Jesus do?

The following are guidelines that we can use to determine whether our actions, or proposed actions, are consistent with the
standards that God has established for His followers.

1. Is this action forbidden in the Word of God?

2. Am I willing to let the Word of God be my authority?
3. Can I truly ask the approval of God on this issue or action?
4. Can I expect God's blessings and His approval?
5. Will this make me a better Christian, enhance Christ-like character in me?
6. Will it cause me to grow spiritually?
7. Will it cause me to look more like Christ?
8. How will this influence others?
9. Will it be a stumbling block to others?
10. Will this produce contentment in my life?
11. Will I be fulfilling God's purpose in my life?
12. What would happen if everyone did this?
13. What kind of church would we have if everyone did this?
14. Would I be willing for everyone to know what I have done?
15. Would I blush or deny that I did it?
16. Would it further or hinder the work of God?
17. Will this action be a testimony to others and possibly win them to Jesus Christ?
18. Would I encourage my son or daughter to do this or be pleased if he or she did it?

Conclusion
“Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). All Christians need to
be accountable to others, so that when we stray or are tempted to stray, someone else will correct us and help set us
straight.

Unfortunately, many Christians are accountable to no one because they don't believe that they have to be.

The best accountability comes within the home, especially between husband and wife. With rare exception, one spouse is
acutely aware of the other's strengths and weaknesses. If they have an open and honest relationship, one should be able to
detect the other's battles with temptation.

Correcting must be done gently and in love, or the result will be bitterness. Always remember that the purpose is to restore a
loved one to the right path with God, not to accuse him or her.
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