Sometimes we can open the Bible and find clear direction regarding the day to day decisions we face. But what about those decisions that Scripture doesn’t directly address? In 1 Corinthians, Paul shares five guiding principles that will help us discern the rightness or wrongness of a particular behavior.
- Will it create a dependency? “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.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
- Will it provide a positive example to others? “But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.” (1 Corinthians 8:9)
- Is it beneficial for me? “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)
- Will it glorify God? “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
- Is it an act of self love? Or does it express love for others? (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)
Thanks to Dr. John Marshall for the idea for this post via Twitter!