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The Ten “E” Principles

There are certain activities that the Bible does not specifically address. For example, what kind of movies and television programs we should watch, what kind of music we should listen to, or what kind of recreational activities are appropriate to engage in (such as dancing, social drinking, gambling, etc.).

The following are ten biblical principles beginning with the letter “E” that will assist us in our decision making:

• Expediency (1 Corinthians 6:12) – Will this activity be spiritually profitable? Some activities can be wrong if they keep us from doing that which will enhance our spiritual life.

• Edification (1 Corinthians 10:23) – Will this activity build us up, spiritually speaking, and lead us to greater spiritual maturity?

• Excess (Hebrews 12:1) – Will this activity hinder us in running the Christian race? While being out late on Saturday night is not a sin, it may not be the best choice if it leaves us too tired to properly engage ourselves in the worship service on Sunday morning.

• Enslavement (1 Corinthians 6:12) – Will this activity bring us under its control? We all know it’s sinful to be controlled by alcohol or drugs, but it is just as sinful to be controlled by music, sports, television, or any other activity that tends to have control over us.

• Equivocation (1 Peter 2:16) – Are we using our freedom in Christ as simply a “cover” for catering to our evil and sinful desires? If we are, we need to seriously evaluate our motives by the standard of God’s word (2 Corinthians 13:5).

• Encroachment (Romans 14:2-8) – Will this activity violate the lordship of Christ in our lives? Let’s never allow others to talk ourselves into doing what we know the Lord would not want us to be doing.

• Example (1 Corinthians 8:9) – Will engaging in this activity set a good or bad example for others to follow?

• Evangelism (1 Peter 2:12) – Will this activity cause non-Christians to see a difference in our lives?

• Emulation (1 John 2:6) – Would Jesus engage in this activity?

• Exaltation (1 Corinthians 10:31) – Will this activity glorify God?

By putting into practice the above ten biblical principles, we can better equip ourselves to resist the many worldly activities that are so prevalent in our world today.