Bible Thoughts

August 8, 2004

The previous article pointed out the necessity of the separation of the child of God from the world. An attempt was made to emphasize the need of recognizing the complete and unwavering allegiance to be given to the Lord. When one is brought to such a realization, it is not difficult for the Christian to see his/her obligations.

Lest someone should receive the wrong impression, let it be emphasized: All things that are immoral are not in the realm of recreation. Immorality can(and does) take place in business, in government, as well as society in general. It is not right for one in business to misrepresent his product to a customer. Nor is it right for an official of the government to lie to the people. While most think of immorality in the terms of recreation, such is not always the case.

There are many principles taught in the New Testament that can be applied to our activities to cause us to take the proper course for Christians. If the principles of righteousness are kept in mind at all times, many of the problems that arise simply will not exist. To find if something is wrong please consider:

(1) The nature of the activity. There are some activities by their very nature are contrary to God's word. Such can be identified as being sinful within the activity itself. This is true because they are specifically named in the Bible as being sinful. When Paul wrote the Ephesian brethren, he stated, "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be even named among you, as becometh saints; not filthiness; nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: But rather giving of thanks. For this ye know of a surety, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God"(Ephesians 3:3-5). In this passage Paul lists a number of practices and attitudes that are immoral. We, as Christians, know they are wrong because the Bible so teaches!

Another scripture wherein the apostle lists a number of attitudes and practices that are sinful: Galatians 5:19-21: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like, of which I warned you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Anything coming under the categories listed by Paul would be a "work of the flesh" and therefore: sinful. Many practices of the current generations can be listed under these identifications. Truly, there are some practices that can be classified as an immoral activity by their very nature.

(2) Some practices of men are wrong because of the association into which one is placed. Paul warned the Corinthians, "Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals"(I Corinthians 15:33). Any activity that places the Christian in continual contact with evil association will result in the moral decay of that person. In order to save one's morals, it may be necessary for one to change a hobby or form of recreation. In fact, one might even find it essential to change his place of work. This writer has heard people say, "I cannot be a Christian and work there."(Note: When one man obeyed the gospel several years ago he recognized that he could no longer drive a beer truck and quit his job. He found a better job almost immediately!)

(3) The influence. There are activities that are right in themselves, but could be an influence in causing others to sin. This was Paul's lesson to the church at Corinth when he wrote, "Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God: even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved"(I Corinthians 10:32-33). The apostle had emphasized their right to eat certain meats. He then instructed them to use certain cautions in exercising this liberty, lest someone be led to sin.

The example to be set by the Christian should influence individual in the performing of pursuits that are right and proper. When writing to Titus, Paul stated, "In all things showing thyself an example of good works, in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned, that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us"(Titus 2:7-8). When a Christian has the proper concern about influencing others to do what is good and pleasing to God, he will take this instruction into consideration.

(4) What control will be exercised over me by my activities? If it consumes too much time and I neglect other responsibilities, some adjustment would be appropriate for the disciple. Some folks do not know about temperance. Such become slaves to pleasure and seem to dwell on nothing else for any length of time. We must be careful to place the important activities and responsibilities in their proper place lest the lesser seems so attractive that we fail in our duties.

It pays to be cautious about the control that may be exerted over a person's mind and body. The world loves narcotics, alcohol, and whatever seems to be fitting for the moment. Such pursuits are but wisps in the wind and one must try to find another when the current fad becomes bothersome. We refer to "bad habits" in these pursuits. The word of God labels such as sin!

At anytime the flesh takes over and the spirit is no longer n control of the thinking and action of a Christian, one is serious trouble morally. "For if you live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live"(Romans 8:13).