Thirteen Questions to Ask About Questionable Matters
THIRTEEN QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT QUESTIONABLE MATTERS
By Robertson McQuilkin
1. Is if for the Lord? Does it bring praise to Him? “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31; see Rom. 14:6-8
2. Can I do it in His name (on His authority, implicating Him)? Can I thank Him for it? “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Col. 3:17
3. Can I take Jesus with me? Would Jesus do it? “Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence?” Ps. 139:7 “Christ...lives in me.” Gal. 2:20 “Christ...leaving us an example that we should follow in His steps.” 1 Pet. 2:21; see Matt. 28:19-20; John 14:16-17, 23
4. Does it belong in the home of the Holy Spirit? “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Cor. 6:19-20; see Eph. 4:30
5. Is it of faith? Do I have misgivings? “But he who has doubts is condemned, if he eats, because he does not act from faith; for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” Rom. 14:23 “Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.” 1 John 3:21
6. Does it positively benefit, build up (not simply harmless)? “Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual building up of one another.” Rom. 14:19 “Let all things be done for edification.” 1 Cor. 14:26; see Rom. 15:2; Eph. 4:12-16
7. Does it spring from, or lead to, love of this world and its value system? “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15; see Mark 9:47; 11:14-15
8. Does it involve union with an unbeliever? “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” 2 Cor. 6:14
9. Does it come from or have the potential of leading to bondage? “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up.” 1 Cor. 10:23
10. Is the motive pride or love? “We know that all of us possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. If any one imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.” 1 Cor. 8:1-2
11. Is a godly mind-set the context of my decision on the matter? “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Phil. 4:8; see Rom. 12:1-2
12. What does the church say about it? “He who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved of men.” Rom. 14:18 “For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.” Acts 15:28; see Rom. 14:16
13. Would I like to be doing this when Jesus comes? “And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming...We know that when He appears we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And every one who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.” 1 John 2:28; 3:2-3; see Matt. 24:44-51; Lk. 23:34-35; 1 Thess. 5:2-4