Testing my actions

Every Christian should grow from being a babe in Christ to being mature. Growth should result in each of us being able to teach others the ABCs of Christianity. Maturity comes from using our knowledge of the word of God to differentiate between good and bad (Hebrews 5:12-14).

The first test for any action a Christian is considering would be to see if the Bible condemns it. Maturing Christians must note the various sins of the flesh that will result in failure to inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21). The follower of Christ who “transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9).

He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him” (1 John 2:4-5). King Saul learned this the hard way. Samuel asked him, “Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the sight of the Lord?” (1 Samuel 15:19).

The second test might be called the love test. If a thing is of the world and I am drawn to it, my love for the world is superseding my love for God (1 John 2:15-17). That may well explain why Paul wrote to the saints at Rome:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

Another element of the love test causes us to ask, “Does this action display love for my brother?” John declared, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him; that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:20-21). Paul made it clear the Roman saints should be concerned about putting a stumbling block in the path of a brother (Romans 14:13-15).

The third test comes when we ask ourselves if we would want to keep our activity secret. Those practicing evil do not like the light that exposes their sin (John 3:19-21). Yet, we know God will judge our secrets (Romans 2:16; Ecclesiastes 12:14). “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). One of Israel’s singers well asked, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? (Psalm 139:7).

There are other tests that would help determine what we can do.

• Can I pray about it and ask God to bless me in it (Matthew 26:41; Romans 12:12; Philippians 4:6)?
• Will it do me harm, either physically or spiritually (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1; Ephesians 5:25-27)?
• Will it corrupt my thoughts and heart (Proverbs 4:23; 23:7; Matthew 15:18-20; Philippians 4:8; 1 Corinthians 15:33)?
• How would it impact my influence (1 Corinthians 10:32-11:1; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; 1 Timothy 4:12-16)?
• Can I participate and keep Jesus as Lord (Galatians 2:20; Matthew 6:24; 7:21; 1 Corinthians 6:12)?

These are just a few of the tests I should run before I take any action in my life. I want to spend eternity with the Father and his Son!