In my previous blog I wrote about ethics and ethical standards. My conclusion was that as Christians, we are to turn to God’s Word for the standards we embrace in life. Read the following familiar verses slowly and prayerfully as we think about why we should turn to the Bible for guidance and direction as we make decisions concerning our behavior and lifestyle.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth… Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Colossians 3:1-2, 5

The words of Paul in his letter to the Colossians are clearly directed to those who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ. Therefore, these words are not aimed at non-believers, but rather at those who would describe themselves as disciples of the Lord. So, if we profess to be His disciple, then the admonition is clear: we are not to turn to the “things of the earth” as we seek direction and guidance for decisions and choices. And then, just so we understand what he is striving to instill in the minds and hearts of his readers, he mentions a few things that are things of the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, covetousness, idolatry.

Add to this the injunction found in Proverbs: We are to trust completely and totally in the Lord, never depending on our own understanding. We are to acknowledge Him in ALL our ways so that He may give clear direction.

I realize that what I am about to say is somewhat repetitious, as my conclusion in my previous blog was basically the same, but I feel it bears repeating. The Word of God – His inspired, inerrant, infallible, irrefutable, unchanging Word – must be the source of our belief and behavior. And remember, these words are aimed at believers – followers of Jesus Christ.

If believers would, as Paul says, set their minds on things from above, and not things of the earth, there would be much less confusion on matters of acceptable behavior and lifestyle. So, it must be obvious that there is either a drought of knowing the Word of God, or there is a serious disdain and disregard for that Word.

Jesus said plainly that if we love Him we will keep His commands. Our love for the Lord will be on open display by the choices we make, and the decisions we live by. Our lives will be open displays of our trusting in the Lord with all our heart and trusting in Him in every choice we make.

The teachings of the Word of God may very well lead us to make decisions that go against our earthly desires, but the overriding desire to seek things from above will supersede our desires that are based on earthly, worldly motivations. Then, and only then, will it be clear that we are sincere followers of the Lord, and our utmost desire is to glorify Him in all we do.

Until next time:

Blessings!