dom of Cod is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (vrs. 17, 18). That which is important as far as Cod is concerned is our righteous ness, peace and joy. We are not to be overly concerned about what we eat or drink. The third thing to ponder is "Will it build up my brethren?" vs. 13). If someone else stumbles then the thing is wrong (I Corinthians 8:13). While this is putting it from the negative standpoint, verse 19 sees it positively. There should be some thing of value attached to it. As Christians we cannot say, "I do not care what people think; I am going to do what I want anyway. I can do as I please." Such is foolish and tremendously damaging to the tes timony we carry. The fourth inquiry for your soul is, "Do you feel right about it?" (vrs. 22 and 23). Our conscience, directed by the Holy Spirit, should lead us. Let us make sure we op erate in the proper channels of the Word of God. We should sense the assuring voice of the Holy Spirit giving us peace in what we do. The final question is "Would you be proud to have it brought out at the judgment of Christ?" No be liever can escape this (vrs. 10, 12). Since we are going to stand before Him, giving an account of all we have done, how would we feel to have that deed, that word, that very thought to be made known? May the Lord help us to examine all that we do in the light of the Word and these five simple tests which are presented in Scripture.
GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS There is a great deal of attack being made today on the Bible and Cod's standard of righteous- nes. The continual cry for freedom to do as we please rises heaven ward. What are the final standards and ground rules God has given to make our lives more of an impact for Him? In Paul's day there were those who set down stringent spir itual laws (Romans 14:2). Whether meat or vegetables were proper was the problem. In the fifth verse something else is indicated. Dis sension seems to be rampant. This is why the Holy Spirit put down principles in this chapter by which we can live and serve for His glory. The first question to be answered should be “Will what I plan to do bring glory to God?" This is taken from verses 7 and 8. If we belong to the Lord and have dedicated ourselves to Him then we ought to seek that which honors Him (11:36). We hear a lot these days about Jesus Christ “Superstar." Unfortun ately the one described in that song does not compare with the One who is portrayed in the Bible. We worship the God of heaven and earth. He alone deserves our alleg iance (vs. 9). Christ died and rose from the grave so that He could rightly demand my fellowship and loyalty. We are accountable to Him. My life must be lived for the glory of Jesus Christ. Paul said, “Whatso ever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giv ing thanks to Cod and the Father by Him." The next question is, “Does my plan emphasize the most important things?" There are many activities you can carry on but are they really of any eternal value? "The king- Page 42
Dr. O'Neal is Professor of Practical Theology at Talbot Seminary.
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