Bible Thoughts

August 15, 2004

The last article pointed out that Christians can use the following methods to decide whether an activity is right or wrong: Is the activity forbidden in the New Testament? Will it place me in the wrong association? Does it cause others to sin? Will it gain too much control over me and spoil my service to the Lord? What has happened to those who previously engaged in the same behavior? Let us recognize that some activity does not have to be wrong in all of the above, but any one of the situations identified could make it immoral. Christians must be able to recognize the wrong in anything in which the disciple engages.

The very nature of some behaviors are forbidden for a Christian to engage. Even those things that are right in themselves can become wrong. They can be identified as sinful in the following:

(1 If some activity is right in itself becomes a method for gambling, it is wrong. Example: It is right to play baseball and other sports. It is wrong to gamble on baseball games. What is right in itself becomes evil to the person who gambles. This is true in any field. The means by which one can secure money are identified in the New Testament. The list does not include gambling.

(2 When a person is so involved in some sport to the degree that he loses control over his emotions, he is in trouble. One who has an uncontrollable temper should never place himself in a position of being provoked to the point that he ceases to set the example of a Christian. When self-control is lost in any activity, whether a sport or just day-to-day activities, he fails to practice the moderation that is taught in the scriptures. "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof"(Romans 13:14).

(3 When the child of God participates in an activity and realizes the results will be undesirable due to the feelings/actions of the ones involved, it is time to quit. Christians are to have control of their emotions while considering the feelings of others. Some people are poor losers! Christians realize that some things are not worth creating a problem.

(4 The wrong association(s) can place one in a position of being influenced to weaken the faith of a disciple. The book of God points out that "evil companionships corrupt good morals." Some places need to be avoided. Close contact with evil minded people can have an adverse affect upon the morals of a Christian.

Christians can realize, from the preceding, that is possible for something right in itself to become evil.

What are some of the problems that each of us face in our everyday activities that affect our moral standing with God?

Consider the language of the world. In the past, cursing was found in the poolhall, gambling dens, roadhouses, drinking parties, and like places. Today it is different. Evil speech is found in the current "best sellers," the movies, the TV, the newspapers, on the street corners, on the internet, and almost everywhere, under the guise of free speech. Understand, cursing(cussing) is wrong! It is wrong because such is specifically condemned in the Word of God.

"Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the likeness of God: out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be"(James 3:9-10).

Even under the Law, God commanded, "Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah in vain; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain"(Exodus 20:7). Cursing is wrong because God says so! Someone said, "Cursing is the effort of a feeble mind to express itself forcibly."

Cursing is also wrong due to the association involved. It has already been pointed out that the places such language is found puts it among those who have no respect for righteousness. A person who so engages hurts his influence with good people, and, at the same time, leads others to engage is the sinful practice. The use of ungodly speech becomes a bad habit that is difficult to break. Those who try to change their language find such is a struggle(but it can be done).

The modern dance is constantly held before the eyes of the public as a means of good exercise and worthwhile enjoyment. Even the schools promote such and encourage young people to engage. Young mothers will often send their small daughters to some school of the dance to help them become more graceful(?).

While engaging in the modern dance, one is guilty of committing a transgression called "lasciviousness." Such a "work of the flesh" is listed in Galatians 5:19-20. It is defined as "wanton manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females, etc."(Thayer). This is an accurate description of the modern dance.

The public is constantly besieged by the liquor industry to imbibe in their products. In the advertisements on TV, over the radio, on the billboards, through the newspaper, over the internet, and in every medium available, we are bombarded with a glowing picture of the benefit of alcoholic beverages. None of these tell the true story of the broken homes, injured lives, numerous deaths, untold heartaches, tremendous tax-burden, destroyed ambitions, etc. that demonstrate the "finished product of the brewer's art." The curse of alcohol is as old as the days following the flood when Noah indulged in drinking alcoholic wine and became a temptation to his son! A wise man warned: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whosoever erreth thereby is not wise"(Proverbs 20:1). 'Nough said!

The present generation has seen the emergence of "topless" bathing suits, near-nakedness in public places, shorter dresses, lower neck-lines, etc. All of these demonstrate the need for identifying modest apparel. The Christian occupies the unique position of avoiding such misconduct and dressing in accordance with the principles set forth in the New Testament.

While avoiding the extreme of placing too much emphasis on the outward adorning, let us be sure that we are truly converted in the heart. In fact, if a person's heart is right, his appearance will be right. One who is clothed in the "incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit"(I Peter 3:4) will avoid any clothing that provokes others to indecent thoughts. Paul encouraged, "In like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety, not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment, but(which becometh women professing godliness) through good works"(I Timothy 2:9-10).

Men also can be guilty of inappropriate dress. It is proper to look in the mirror before casting all of the blame on the female. Even men can be immodest!