“What’s wrong with that? Doing that never hurt me!”
This question has become the standard for determining whether something is acceptable. If one can’t see anything wrong with doing something, then it must be okay. 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 video to watch tonight might be asked and answered via texts 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.
However, there is a more important question to be asked than what is wrong with it? 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 it, we must also ask what is right with it.
The practice of using excellence as a benchmark for evaluating daily 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. Our focus should be on pursuing the honor of God 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.
Paul states that we should do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Jesus is the Lord, the ruler, of your life. This adds more weight to doing things with excellence for God. Asking only what is wrong with it misses the opportunity to do something really excellent for Christ. Joy, happiness, having fun are good things, and they are only enhanced by doing them in the name of Jesus.
Asking what is right with it? 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 challenges. The quickest way is often found by asking what is wrong with it? God calls you to more and better than that. He wants you to ask what is right with it? Yes, it will take more time. But your answers will bring joy and purpose to your actions. Look for what is excellent or praiseworthy. Delight in bringing honor to the name of your Lord, Jesus Christ!