Quote:
Originally Posted by John Atkinson
That is a good topic. Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should.
We can focus on clothes and makeup etc and forget the big picture, which is life lived in submission to the will of God, everything needs to yeild to that, whether it is what we do, say, wear, where we go.. all of it and how it impacts others.
We should be asking ourselves what can I do to be better for Jesus when instead we ask "what can I get away with and stay saved"
I like the Philippians 4:8 test
Philippians 4:8 KJVR
(8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Filtering the Lawful but expedient things through the lens of Ph 4:8 by asking:
- Is _______ true?
- Is _______ honest?
- Is _______ just?
- Is _______ lovely?
- Is _______ of good report?
- Is _______ virtuous?
- Is _______ praise?
Applying this to not only thoughts but actions.
I am thinking that if we apply this principle to everything from clothing to activity then we will find that we don't need a master list of do's and don'ts to guide us.
And that many of the expedient things that are lawful but not convenient will be shed as we seek to live closer to Jesus.
I don't always succeed at this but I try. |
That is exactly my point. I like it!
It is a bit corny, but I am reminded of the speech Jeff Golblum gave in Jurassic Park. When they are discussing hte re-creation of the dinosaurs and the possible dangers, he says the doctors were so busy asking themselves "can we do it" that no one took the time to ask whether they should do it.
This generation of "enlightened" individuals due to the internet age is great at asking "can I", but they stink at asking the more important question of "should I".
Can I drink beer bibliacally? The better question is should you. Can I throw out distinction in dress? The better question is should you. Do I have to pay tithes? The better question is should you financially support your church. Can I watch TV? The better question is should you flood your home with all the trash on it. ( I do have a TV btw, but am pretty careful about what is watched) Can I have church at home since I just don't really like any churches? The better question is what gives you the right to forsake the assembly.
Everyone is stuck on the immature questions like my 3 year old step son asks: "can I". They refuse to ask the more grown up question: "should I" or "is this good for me".
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