The “6 – 8 – 10″ Principles
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesAs any Bible student knows, the Bible not only deals in “specifics,” but in eternal principles as well. After this writer became a Christian, I realized that certain habits and practices in my life needed to be terminated. Through my study of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15), I knew they were wrong and did not honor the Lord (Colossians 3:17). Some other practices, however, were not so clear. I questioned, “were they wrong, or weren’t they?” The Bible was specific about swearing (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:8), stealing (Romans 2:21; Ephesians 4:28), and lying (Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9) but what about those “doubtful” activities concerning which the Bible gives no clear or specific command (i.e., social drinking, smoking, gambling, dancing?).
Four Biblical Principles
While studying the book of 1st Corinthians, I found four biblical principles which gave me the answers of how to know a “right action” from a “wrong action” even though there might not be any “specific” command or commands in the Bible governing the actions I had questions about. I call them the “6 – 8 – 10” principles, because they are found in 1 Corinthians Chapters 6, 8, and 10. Anytime we are “doubtful” as to what the Bible teaches concerning our actions or thoughts, let us always ask ourselves the following questions and then adhere to the subsequent biblical principles:
1) Is It Helpful?
In 1 Corinthians 6:12, the apostle Paul stated, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” On the basis of that verse, I can ask myself: “Is this action helpful?” Is whatever I’m about to do helpful to me “physically,” or will it harm me? Does it help me “mentally,” or does it tend to focus my mind on things that draw me into sin? This helped guide me with regard to watching motion pictures, TV programs, etc. and looking at certain books and magazines. And, does this activity help me “spiritually?” Does it help me grow spiritually speaking, or does it hurt my spiritual growth?
2) Does It Get Me In Its Power?
Does this activity “enslave me?” (Romans 6:16). I concluded from a study of 1 Corinthians 6:12 that anything that gets me in its “grip” – that becomes a habit I cannot break – I should leave it alone! I have friends today who are “slaves” to cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. Paul said, …”but I will not be enslaved by anything” (RSV).
3) Will It Cause Others To Stumble?
Will engaging in this activity cause others to stumble? (Note what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 8:12-13). Maybe I can handle it, but will it affect others who see me doing it? Will it cause them problems (both spiritually and physically)? Will my actions lead them into trouble? Remember, no man is an island (Romans 14:8). What I do is seen and many times “copied” by others (1 Thessalonians 1:5-8). I may be the only example of a Christian that someone has (1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Peter 5:3), so I must think of others when I decide on any activities to engage in (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12).
4) Is It Glorifying To God?
Again, Paul stated, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Does this contemplated action glorify God? What is the chief purpose of man? The Bible states that man’s purpose is to “glorify God” (Psalm 86:9; Isaiah 43:7; Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 15:4). You and I are to live our lives “to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:11-12). So I must ask myself: “Can I do this to the glory of God?”
Conclusion
These three passages of Scripture in First Corinthians have stood the test of time. They contain four lasting principles from the all-knowing and ever-loving God.
The question God asks us is, “What’s on the inside of your heart?” (1 Samuel 16:7). Outward performance will “reflect” the inner man (Matthew 15:10-20). As Christians, we must maintain a godly walk before others and make frequent application of 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”