Often, when someone offers
an objection to a particular activity, the immediate response is, "What's
wrong with that, doing that never hurt me!" Over time this question has
become a standard method for determining whether something is acceptable. If
one can't see anything wrong with doing something, then it must be okay.
However, using this question as a guideline is not a reliable standard upon
which to base decisions. Families lead busy, hectic lives. Decisions about what
should or shouldn't be done are often made on the run. For example, a decision
about which movie to rent tonight might be asked and answered via cell phones
as mom travels between a doctor's appointment and an after school soccer match.
The criteria most likely will be, "Is there anything wrong or bad about
the movie?" No one seems to recall anything bad about this one, so the
decision is made - Mom will pick up the movie after the soccer match just
before she goes to the pizza place to pick up dinner.
However, there is a more
important question to be asked than what is wrong with ________? Even though it
is good to determine if there are negative influences--is an activity safe, does
someone else we know have any problems with the activity, etc.--there is still
another vital factor to consider.
In addition to asking what
is wrong with _______? we must also ask what is right with________?
In the last post, I
suggested using Philippians 4:8-9 as a guide for thinking about what to do. The
practice of using excellent things as a benchmark for evaluating activities has
become a lost art. The Christian life is much more than avoiding negative
things. It is primarily about engaging in thoughts and activities that bring
honor to God--things that enhance His reputation here on earth. As Christians
and as members of Christian families our focus should be on pursuing the honor
of God in all we do, rather than simply attempting to avoid negatives. Look at
Colossians 3:17 in this light:
And
whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
All is to be done in the
name of Christ. This includes more than just deciding if there is anything
wrong with things we consider doing. Doing things in the name of the Lord Jesus
means a vigorous pursuit of Philippians 4:8-9. The apostle Paul typically chooses
carefully which name for Christ to use in each particular context. Here in
Colossians, he purposefully states that we should do all in the name of the
Lord Jesus. By including Lord in his designation of Jesus, he calls attention
to the reality that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life. This adds more weight to
doing things with excellence for God. Asking only what is wrong with _______,
misses the opportunity to do something really excellent for Christ. A number of
years ago, there was a popular movie that used the word excellent! as a
standard response to something done well. The comment was humorous in the movie,
but what if it were used in a different context? Wouldn't it be a life-changing
practice to be able to say excellent!
in response to the efforts of our family members, acknowledging that they were
doing all they could to honor the Lord Jesus?
Asking what is right with
___________? could be a life changer for your family. Hectic schedules and a
survival mentality push us to find the quickest way to resolve the daily stream
of opportunities. The quickest way is often found by asking what is wrong
with _____? God calls you to more and better than that. He wants you to ask
what is right with _________? Yes, it will take more time. But your answers
will bring joy and purpose to your actions. If anything is excellent or
praiseworthy, focus your thinking on these things. That will allow you to do
all that you do in the name of your Lord, Jesus Christ!
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Hi. Loved the article. I often struggle with people saying, "awesome" in regard to anything but the Lord. It's sad to say that most people, Christians, will use the word for anything but who it should be used for which is Christ. Keep on writing. Thank You.