One of the major themes of the New Testament is that we are free. Free from the yoke of the Law. Free from trying to earn our righteous standing with God through self-effort.
Ephesians 2:8-9 puts it this way; “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”
Should we then live any way we feel like? Paul said, “Heaven forbid!” (My translation.) Then what principles should guide our behavior, our choices?
Here’s where the “6-8-10 principles” come in handy. Four principles for our behavior and choices that come from chapters 6, 8, and 10 of First Corinthians.
The first principle asks, “Is this good for me?”
1 Corinthians 6:12a - You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. (NLT)
Seems like an obvious principle, doesn’t it? But how many things do we do that are not good for us, even though they may not be sinful or illegal? In my case, eating an ice cream sundae is legal and not sinful, but seeing as I’m a diabetic, it’s not very good for me! If something is not good for me, why am I doing it??
The second principle asks, “Will this control me?”
1 Corinthians 6:12b – “Even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.” (NLT)
How easy it is for us to take an ordinary activity such as food or TV or sports or work or whatever and slowly let it consume us. One day we wake up and realize that it is controlling us instead of us controlling it. And then there are the substances that can physically enslave us, such as nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, and drugs. I have smoked a cigar a day for over 10 years. At this point it controls me, because to think of going without it makes me nervous!
The third principle asks, “Will this offend sensitive Christians?”
1 Corinthians 8:13 - So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble. (NLT)
This does not mean that we tip-toe around for fear that some Pharisee is going to judge us. It means that there may be something that we feel full freedom in Christ to do that some Christians have a very tender conscience about. If they were to see me do it they might be tempted to do it themselves, even though they do not have a clear conscience about it, thereby stumbling in their faith. Personally, I like salty language, and don’t feel that God is too shook up by it. But if I were to go about indiscriminately spewing words that are on many Christians’ “Do not say” list, I could really mess up someone’s faith who has a tender conscience in that area.
The fourth principle asks, “Can I do this to the glory of God?”
1 Corinthains 10:31 - So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (NLT)
This does not mean we can just do “holy” activities, or it would not say “eat or drink.” It is difficult to define what this means, but in my opinion I might ask, “Can I do this activity with a full and thankful heart, a clear conscience, and an attitude of worship?” I think that suffices.
So, celebrate and enjoy your freedom in Christ. But as mature Christians, let’s use our freedom responsibly!
CREDIT: The idea for the “6-8-10 principle” was stolen from my pastor’s sermon this morning (Bill Nichols). He can’t remember whom he stole it from, although I think I found it here! http://preachersfiles.com/the-6-8-10-principles
I say that you have two listening ears, a wise head from years of scripture and other writing studied, coming through to me from a firm, though Christ-shaped, heart.
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