How To Decide If Something is Right or Wrong
Some of the most frustrating times in a Christian’s life is knowing if an activity, an action, a deed, or entertainment is right or wrong. This is normal. So don’t “beat yourself up” if you find yourself disturbed and warring in your heart. Paul knew what this internal war was about when he said, "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I" (Romans 7:15). So, we see from this statement that you are not alone.
Let’s talk about how we shall determine if something is right or wrong:
I. If The Word of God Addresses the Subject, It Is Settled!
Let’s use an easy illustration. "Thou shalt not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14). Now, with this dogmatic declaration, one doesn’t not even need to pray about the will of God in this matter. It is clearly defined; it is clearly revealed.
If the Word of God is clear in any subject addressed, it is settled.
II. Do I Sense a Prick in My Heart?
When Paul was Saul and enroute to Damascus, a life-changing experience took place with an unusual statement by no less than our Resurrected Lord Himself: "And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks" (Acts 9:5).
The word for pricks is “kentron,” translated, “a sting, as that of bees, scorpions, locusts, an iron goad, for urging on oxen, horses and other beasts of burden, hence the proverb, "to kick against the goad," i.e. to offer vain and perilous or ruinous resistance.”
If we are open to God and go in the wrong direction we will feel a “pricking” deep in our hearts. He is so kind to let us know. The key is to be obedient enough to listen.
III. Does What We Do Cause Others to Stumble?
"But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak" (I Corinthians 8:9). If what we are doing is hurting our testimony and causing others to stumble in their personal lives, we should abdicate our freedom to do this. "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death" (I John 3:14).
IV. Receive Advice From Godly People on the Matter Bothering You.
"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). There is someone who is older and wiser in this life than you. They have already been down the road you are taking and they can tell you where the detours, the dead ends and dry holes are. Also, they can tell you where the milk and honey, direction and blessings lie. "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed" (Proverbs 13:20).
Euripedes said, “The company of just and righteous men is better than wealth and a rich estate.”
-Pastor Pope-