Discerning Good And Evil

As Christians, we are zealous to serve the Lord that paid for our Salvation with His very life. We want to please Him in all that we do.

However, if we are new in the Faith, we realize that our knowledge of the Christian walk is lacking. In our day-to-day life, determining what is right and what is sinful is puzzling at times. We do not yet possess the spiritual knowledge and wisdom that comes with years of learning and experience (HEBREWS 5:14).

To help the babe in Christ discern whether or not a given act is right or wrong, below is a list of seven questions that they can ask themselves. In the process of answering these questions, the new Christian will be better able to discern whether the act is good or it is evil.

1.Is the activity wrong in itself?

There are, at least, three good passages in the New Testament which provide specific lists of sins to stay away from. Check it out: GALATIANS 5:19-21; EPHESIANS 5:3-6; COLOSSIANS 3:5-9.

2.Does it harm me spiritually?

In other words, will this activity cause me to become less interested in worship, in Bible study, in prayer, or in Christian service? Some acts, not wrong in themselves, may take-up so much time that they interfere with our spiritual duties. To the extent that this is true, such things are wrong. See MATTHEW 6:33; EPHESISNS 5:15-16; HEBREWS 12:1.

3.Does it hurt my conscience?

If so, ROMANS 14:23 teaches this to be wrong. "Not of faith" refers to being against our conscience. Although the conscience is not a perfect guide, one should not go against it unless a particular Scripture teaches otherwise.

4.Does it harm me physically?

Our bodies were purchased by the Lord for the Lord’s use. We must strive to keep it strong and fit. Read 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19-20.

5.Does it hurt my influence for Christ?

As a Christian, we must think of our influences on others. A Christian can be a good influence in the world only as they are different from the world. See ROMANS 12:2; 1 TIMOTHY 6:11; COLOSSIANS 4:5; MATTHEW 5:13-16.

Speaking of influence, any act is wrong which has the effect of causing another Christian to sin or be discouraged. See ROMANS 14:13, 19; 1 CORINTHIANS 8:9, 12; HEBREWS 3:12-14.

6.Does it put me in the wrong crowd?

If, in a certain activity, I am always finding myself with the wrong group...this may be the clue that tells me I am losing my Christian identity. Consider: PROVERBS 13:20; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33; 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14-16.

7.Would Jesus do it?

When you know a person pretty well, you can often guess what they would think or do. The better you know His life and teachings (through reading the Gospels), the better you can decide right or wrong by asking yourself: ’ Would Jesus do it?’ If deep in your heart you know He would not, it is probably wrong. JOHN 8:12; 14:6; 1 JOHN 2:6.