10 key principles for godly decision-making

by Steve Cornell

1. Glorifying God:

Scripture: I Corinthians 6:19-20;10:31; I Thessalonians 2:12

Questions: Does this behavior/practice bring glory to God? Would it dishonor God?

2. Loving others:

Scripture: I Corinthians 8:1,9-13;Romans 14:13-21; Galatians5:13.

Question: How will this behavior/practice affect others?

Note: Offending weaker brothers should be distinguished from offending Pharisees (see Matthew 15:12-15). We should not change based on the opinions of pharisees (see: http://thinkpoint.wordpress.com/2007/06/06/are-the-pharisees-still-amoung-us/ )

3. Eliminating excess:

Scripture: I Corinthians 9:24-27;Philippians 3:13; Hebrews 12:1.

Question: Will this hinder me in living an effective Christian life?

4. Attaining excellence:

Scripture: I Corinthians 6:12;10:23; Ephesians 5:16; Philippians 1:9-11.

Questions: Is this activity useful toward my Christian growth? It may not be wrong, but is it really useful and profitable? Is this activity the best use of my time?

5. Avoiding improper relationships:

Scripture: II Corinthians 6:14-18;Psalm 1:1-3;Proverbs 13:20;22:24-25.

Questions: Am I entering into a relationship that could cause me to commit myself to believe or practice something that is unscriptural? Will this association bring wrong influences in my life?

6. Keeping a clear conscience:

Scripture: Romans 14:5,14,22-23; I Corinthians 8:7.

Question: Is what I am doing bothering my conscience in its current condition?

7. Aiming at Christlikeness:

Scripture: Romans 8:28-29a;I John 2:6.

Question: Is this consistent with all that I know about Jesus Christ?

8. Maintaining purity:

Scriptures: Matthew 5:27-30; Romans 13:14; Philippians 4:8; I Peter 2:11,16; Galatians 5:13

Questions: Will this activity become a source for sin? Am I allowing myself to be vulnerable to temptation?

9. Prioritizing the Gospel:

Scripture: I Corinthians 9:23

Question: Will this activity hinder or help my effectiveness as a witness for Christ?

10. Listening to leadership:

Scripture: Hebrews 13:17;I Thessalonians 5:12-13.

Questions: Is what I am doing in conflict with the membership or service covenants of my Church? Am I respecting the leadership and seeking guidance from them?

The key to using these principles is personal honesty and humility. God knows our hearts and He knows what is best (I Samuel 16:7; Hebrews 4:13; Philippians1:9-11). Our service for God should be motivated by love for Him as we make every effort to do what pleases God in all things (Matthew 22:37; II Corinthians 5:9-10,14-15; ). However, we must be careful not to treat our conclusions on nonspecific matters as morally binding upon all who desire to please God.

Proverbs 3:5-7

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.”

II Corinthians 5:9-10

“So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or awayfrom it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”