Principles For Living God’s Glory
1. The Edification Principle: Will this activity produce spiritual benefits?
In
1 Corinthians 10:23, Paul explained that “all things are lawful, but
not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all
things edify.”... So based on this verse, believers should ask
themselves, “Will doing this activity enhance my spiritual life and the
spiritual lives of others? Will it cultivate godliness in me and in
them? Will it build us up spiritually?” If not, then is it really a
wise choice?
2. The Enslavement Principle: Will this activity lead to spiritual bondage?
...Don’t
allow yourself to become addicted or enslaved to that which is sinful
or even just potentially destructive. If what you are considering can
be habit-forming, why pursue it? Don’t allow yourself to be in bondage
to anything or anyone. You are a slave of the Lord Jesus Christ, and
Him alone.
3. The Exposure Principle: Will this activity expose my mind or body to defilement?
Speaking
specifically of sexual immorality, Paul commanded the Corinthians to
avoid anything that might defile them. “Do you not know that your body
is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God,
and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Elsewhere,
he told the Ephesians to reprove and avoid the sensual deeds that
characterize the wicked, “for it is disgraceful even to speak of the
things which are done by them in secret” (Ephesians 5:12). Instead,
believers are to dwell on those things that are true, honorable, right,
pure, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy, and of good repute (Philippians
4:8). So ask yourself if the decision you are about to make will expose
you to the sinful, lewd, and debauched elements of fallen society. If
it will, then stay away from it. ... Thus, anything that defiles your
body or pollutes your mind ought to be avoided. Continue at John F. MacArthur
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