Gates To Proper Behavior
Randall Caselman
3/26/97
Gates To Proper Behavior
As children of God, we are confronted daily with hundreds of decisions. Some of these have to do with right and wrong attitudes and correct or incorrect behavior. How do we decide? Are there some guidelines which we can use to help us make proper decisions?
Let me suggest some questions that we can ask ourselves, some gates we can use in our decision making. Try it. Can we get an attitude or behavior through these gates?
Does the Bible say it is wrong? This must be the first and foremost question. What does the Bible say? If the Bible says something is wrong, there is no way to make it right. King Saul rationalized that it was okay to disobey God if it was to glorify Him. Samuel said,
To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. The end never justifies the means. If the Bible condemns a practice, we cannot justify it for any reason. Existentialism and situation ethics is of the Devil.
Will it hurt my body? John tells us that when we obey His commandments that God lives in us,
we know this by the Spirit He gave us. Paul says, Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God with your body.
Will it hurt my mind? The Bible not only tells us how to live, it tells us what to think.
Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think of these things.
Will this behavior, belief enslave me? Paul writes,
Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered, brought under the power of any. God does not want us enslaved to anyone or anything but Him. God must rule as Lord and King of our lives.
Is it good stewardship? By participating in this, am I being a good steward of my body, time, my talent, treasure and energy? Scripture tells us that God requires, as stewards of God’s blessings, we are to be found faithful.
Does this practice glorify God? Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him. Paul also tells us,
Christ should always be exalted in our bodies, whether by life or death. If an attitude or practice can’t be used to help us, in some way, glorify God, then we perhaps we ought to rethink it.
Will it profit and edify me and others? The Hebrews writer says,
Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good works. Paul writes,
Not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many that they may be saved. Not one of us is an island, we influence others by the way we think and act. Paul contends that
no man lives and dies to himself.
Is it worth imitating? Ask this question. Do I want my weaker brother or my children doing what I am about to do? Will it enhance their lives and bring them closer to God? Paul says,
Follow me as I follow Christ.
Is it best? For too long we’ve asked the question,
what is wrong with it? Check your Bibles! This question was never on the mind of a mature child of God in the Old or New Testament.
Why? Because it is the wrong question. It should be,
is this the best thing?... Is this the excellent thing to do God is not asking us to do the mediocre or the mundane, but the excellent.
Someone replies,
well, if my daily walk was regulated by these questions, I’d have to stop nearly everything I’m doing! Folks, if our thoughts and behavior do not pass through these gates, perhaps we need to stop.
Well, how do we apply these suggestions?
• Ask ourselves honestly,
• Seek good counsel. Seek out Godly men and women who can help us find ways to help us decide what is right and wrong. Note, I said, Godly men and women! Find the most Godly person you know. Don’t ask a neighbor, an out of duty church members, or a preacher who can’t discipline his own life. Seek out the most Godlike brother or sister you know and ask for their help.
•
Make a decision to do better. Nothing happens until we decide to make it happen.
• Ask for God’s help.
God is patient, not willing that any should perish. God is ready to help us do what is right in light of Scripture.
• Evaluate the results. After we’ve practiced what we have decided is right, ask these questions: Are we closer to God because we’ve taken this attitude and action? Are we having a more positive influence on others? Are our children, grandchildren and friends closer to God because of our decision? If so, make this action a habit, a life-style.
Remember this:
* Thoughts determine our actions.
* Actions determine our habits.
* Habits determine our life-style.
* Life-style determines where we spent eternity.
I hope these gates become helpful to us as we strive to become the people and person that God has called us to be.
—Randall Caselman
