You’ve probably encountered many opportunities and asked, “Is this the right thing for me to do?” Should I buy this car? Should I accept that promotion? Should I look for another job? Should I remain friends with someone who always disagrees with me? The list goes on.
There are some things that, at least from biblical view, are plainly stated. Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t lie, or steal. Don’t bicker or cause unnecessary devisions. Avoid sexual immorality; in fact, flee from it! Don’t allow even a hint of immorality or greed to influence you. God says these are wrong. Period. End of discussion. But there are many other things that seem to lie in the “gray” area of our decision making. How should I dress for church – or at the beach? Is it okay to buy eight pairs of shoes when my neighbor has none? Should I give above the “tithe?” Is this movie okay to watch? Should I “speak my mind” or “hold my tongue?” When we sift questions like these through the filter of “right vs wrong,” we often come up uncertain or at odds with others who disagree. In a land where we have so very many freedoms, is everything suddenly right?
Asking, “Is this right?” might be the wrong question. A better question for us might be, “Is this beneficial?” “Is this the BEST?”
“Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me—but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12).
One way we can apply this question is to ask ourselves if what we are considering really honors God. As believers, our intent to honor and please him should outweigh our freedom to do whatever we want, even if it is legal and “permissible.” In good conscience, would THIS option honor God more than THAT option?
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
Another way to apply this truth is to ask ourselves how our decision impacts others. You might have the right to act however you want, to speak your mind, and criticize others, but would that be the most beneficial approach in this situation you’re facing? In some matters, HOW the decision is accomplished may be as important as the actual decision.
“…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Finally, another approach to applying this question is to consider what influence and control the matter has over your life. It may be permissible, but if it controls you, it’s not beneficial. Watching a certain TV series may be permissible but if it dishonors my spouse and family – if I become obsessed with it, it isn’t beneficial. Analysis may be permissible (especially if you call it “planning” – right?) but if it paralyzes you, it isn’t helpful. It’s not against the law to beat yourself up mentally, but if it controls your thinking, it’s not helpful. There’s a time for critical thinking but if it leads you to always criticizing and judging others, it isn’t beneficial. Avoiding conflict may seem helpful but if it alienates you from God or others, it may not be as beneficial as you think.
Enjoy your freedom today. Freedom from sin’s crushing rule. Freedom from legalistic do’s and don’ts. But don’t settle for what is simply permissible or “right.” Seek what is beneficial and BEST in your life, in your relationship with others, and in your relationship with God.