In seeking to live a godly lifestyle and honor the Lord, many Christians have questions about right living and making good decisions. From what to eat or drink, to whether to watch a certain movie, to who we spend time with, some things are less clear than others. But God is not the author of confusion, nor is He looking on you with condemnation, holding a checklist of things you should and shouldn’t do. Rather, He has given us His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit to guide us. With those two powerful weapons in hand, we can make decisions with confidence. It doesn’t mean we’ll be perfect, but it does mean we have everything we need to live life in victory.
If you’re asking yourself, Should I or shouldn’t I? about anything in your life, here are four questions to ask when deciding what’s right.
1. Is It Biblical?
The obvious first place for a Christian to look when deciding if something is right or wrong is the Bible. So many instances are clearly outlined in God’s Word, but it is something that is not meant to be referenced quickly. You need to study it over time and then consider it as a whole. Isolating single verses can often prove dangerous and inaccurate, as can reading the Word from your mind, rather than under the leading of the Holy Spirit.
That’s why when you’re determining whether something is right or wrong, you look to the Word of God, not whether other people say it’s right or wrong (Acts 5:29; John 14:21), or what you remember hearing in church growing up. There are a lot of differing opinions in the Christian world. Though wisdom seeks the counsel of wise believers and/or ministers (Proverbs 20:18), your final decision should be based on what the Word of God says—not one person’s interpretation.
Many times, people will conclude that something is wrong based on their own personal struggles in that area or their own convictions. But we must not confuse personal conviction for scriptural accuracy. Regular time in the Word of God with an open heart and mind, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and wise counsel will lead you into all truth.
If others seek to condemn you or make you feel guilty about a lifestyle choice, they are not operating by the Spirit of God (Colossians 2:16). However, if they are calling a clear sin to your attention and doing so in love, the motivation to help you be more victorious will be clear (Galatians 6:1).
2. Does It Honor God?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). That means if you aren’t thinking about pleasing God and what He says about the matter, you’re not operating in wisdom. A.W. Tozer said, “If Jesus is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.” We can’t have one foot in the world and one out of the world. God is calling us to be set apart! Not only for our own blessing, but as a witness to others.
3. Does It Open the Door to the Devil?
Some things may seem harmless in the moment, but the devil prowls around like a lion looking to devour someone (1 Peter 5:8). What is he looking for? An open door. It doesn’t have to be wide open with a blaringly sinful lifestyle. Just a cracked door will do for his work.
That’s why Paul said, “‘Everything is permitted’—but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23, ESV). If something can give the devil any room in your life to bring fear, doubt, bitterness, sexual temptation or anything else out of God’s will, don’t have anything to do with it!
Let the Lord lead you and tune in to the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to bring the small corrections to your life. He could tell you to stop drinking diet soda or stop watching a certain television show. He could encourage you to start a prayer group or volunteer at your child’s school. Whatever it is, He wants to tell you is always to promote you, not condemn you. You may not know that certain things you’re eating or watching are hurting you. That’s what is so precious about the Lord. He will lead you into all truth and victory.
That doesn’t mean that someone else’s standards should become yours. Some feel convicted about not eating sugar or not watching the news. That could be what the Lord is speaking to them specifically. Let the Bible and your relationship with the Lord be your guide. If He uses another person’s choices to bring a correction to your mind, you will sense that in your spirit.
4. Is It a Good Witness to the World?
We, as Christians, are called to stand out in a dark world. We should be the ones who say kind things when others are cursing. We should be the ones with a good report when others have a negative report. We should be the ones who stay married forever, raise respectful children, use money wisely and are known for kindness and wisdom (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Whether we like it or not, everything we say and do is sending a message—and more what we do than what we say! That doesn’t mean we have to be perfect, but many people in the world see Christians as hypocritical because they say one thing and live another. Whatever it is that you’re trying to decide about, ask yourself, If I do this, am I being a good witness to the world? Am I representing Christ as I should?
Every day is full of choices. We hope these questions to ask will help you decide what is right. Remember—you were saved by grace. Once you’re saved, you don’t have to maintain that salvation through works, so don’t get caught up in that! And don’t try to impress people with your holy living. That’s not God’s way either. Instead, draw near to God and privately, with Him, seek to live a life that pleases Him. You are precious in His sight!
Watch Kenneth Copeland teach you how to let God guide you every day.