Right or Wrong?

MICHAEL HAD THOUGHT about the matter for a long time and had finally come to see bis pastor because he wanted help. Now, in the quiet study, he looked across the desk into the understanding eyes of God’s servant and put into words the question that bothered him.

“Pastor, I’m a Christian, and I want to be a good one. I want to do what is right and stay away from what is wrong. I try to do that, but sometimes it’s hard for me to know which is which, I mean, with some things it is hard to tell. They seem 0K, but I’m just not sure.” He paused and smiled a bit self-consciously before concluding, “I guess what I need is some kind of test. How can I know for sure whether a thing is right or wrong?”

How can I know for sure whether a thing is right or wrong? This question baffles more teenagers than just Michael. Oddly enough, the answer is not all that difficult. There is a test that can be applied to any activity to clearly indicate whether something is right or wrong for the Christian young person. Honest answers to the following ten questions will tell you what you want to know.

1. Can I do this and still be obedient to God’s Word? Some things are strictly forbidden in the Bible. Is this one of them? Would doing this break any principle taught in God’s Word? As a Christian, you are responsible to know what the Bible teaches and to obey it (Rom. 14:12).

2. Can I do this to the glory of God?Man was created by God for His glory. The Christian is plainly told that whatever Fie does should be done to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31) Right—or Wrong?...

3. Can I please God by doing this?As a Christian, the delight of your heart should be to please your Heavenly Father, the One Who loves you so much He provided salvation and eternal life for you (1 Thess. 4:1).

4. Can I ask God’s blessing on this?Is this something you can commit to God in prayer before you do it and then do it as unto Him and in His name? Can you invite Him to go with you and be comfortable with the blessing of His presence (Col. 3:17, 23)?

5. Can I imagine the Lord Jesus doing this?He lived on this earth, faced all of its temptations, and yet He did not sin.He left you an example, and it is His will that you should follow in His steps (1 Pet. 2:21).

6. Can I do this without bringing dishonor to God’s name?Because you are saved, you are a member of God’s family. Ali you do, whether good or bad, now reflects on Him and on other Christians, your brothers and, sisters in Christ (Col. 1:10).

7. Can I do this without grieving the Holy Spirit?It is a wonderful truth that every Christian has the Holy Spirit dwelling within him. It is your responsibility to follow His guidance in all things pertaining to your Christian life and to avoid doing those sinful things that‘ grieve Him (Eph.4:30).‘

8. Can I do this without harming my body, the temple of the Holy Spirit? t Physically harmful things are never a part of God’s will for you. Their results will be with you the rest of your life and may hinder your effectiveness as a servant of the Lord. Think of tomorrow and be careful today (1 Cor. 6:19)

9. Can I do this and still maintain a good testimony? Will this make you less successful in witnessing to the unsaved and winning them to the Lord? Will this be a stumbling block to some weaker Christian?Will this be a source of sorrow or discouragement to other believers (Rom.14:7)?

10. Can I do this without being ashamed if the Lord found me doing it when He returns?The Lord’s return for His own is a sure prospect, but no one knows the day or the hour when it will occur. This means the Christian should always be ready, always expecting Him, always faithfully serving until the trumpet sounds to signal the glorious event!

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