A vital part of being led by the Spirit is the ability to accurately determine the rightness or wrongness of deeds not dealt with in the Bible. To help us with uncertain situations, Paul gave 4 valuable principles in his first letter to the believers at Corinth.
I Corinthians 6:12b "Everything is permissible for me," but I will not be brought under the control of anything.
One, does this activity enslave me? We should be living in total victory over sin and ourselves, and be avoiding any activity that could possibly gain mastery over us.
1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak.
Two, does this activity cause a weaker believer to stumble? It is not always right to automatically do what appears to be right. Sometimes right can be wrong. Even if nothing is inherently wrong with a deed, it can still be a sin. We must weigh actions not only in terms of right and wrong, but also in terms of love. (See also 1 Cor. 8:12-13 and Romans 15:1.)
1 Corinthians 10:23 "Everything is permissible," but not everything is helpful. "Everything is permissible," but not everything builds up.
Three, does this activity help, build up, and make a positive contribution? We must avoid anything that might possibly hurt our Christian witness in any way, or damage the fellowship of believers.
I Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory.
Four, does this activity glorify God? In everything seek to magnify God. Be sure to exonerate Him. Give Him the honor He is due. After the four principles, see Romans 14:23. If you have any hesitation about a deed, don't do it.
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