"Can I do this and still be a Christian?" Can I go to these movies? Can I listen to this kind of music? Can I go to this kind of place? Can I have this kind of relationship? Can I indulge in this pursuit and still be a Christian? If you have ever been doing something and wondered whether it was allowable for you as a Christian, consider these four questions.

1. Does it build me up spiritually?
   There might be something in your life that tears you down because it tears you away from the people of God or dulls your hunger for the Word of God. If you like junk food and eat a lot of it, you won't have an appetite when it's time for a real meal. In the same way, there are things we take in that will spoil our spiritual appetites. 
   
   
2. Does it bring me under its power?
   1 Corinthians 6:12 says, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any" (NKJV). I don't want to be under the power of anyone or anything but Jesus Christ. I don't want to be under the power of drugs. I don't want to be under the power of alcohol. I don't want to be under the power of tobacco. I don't want to be under the power of television. If something is getting a hold on you, then maybe you need to cut it loose. 
   
   
3. Do I have an uneasy conscience about it?
   Romans 14:23 says, "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (NKJV). Another translation reads, "Whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful." Even another translation says, "Anyone who believes that something he wants to do is wrong should not do it. He sins if he does, for if he thinks it is wrong for him it is wrong." 
   
   
4. Could it cause another Christian to be stumbled in his or her faith?
   Romans 14:15 says, "If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil"(NIV). Don't do something that could spiritually stumble someone else. No man or woman lives and dies unto himself or herself alone. What we do has a direct affect on others, not only in this life, but also in time and eternity. This means that we need to not only live our lives considering God's opinion, but we want to be considerate of others. Don’t use your liberty to stumble another person.

This article from Greg Laurie has always helped me when I'm making a big decision in life...even small ones. God's word is there to guide us. Read it daily and you'll learn to hear His voice above the other voices that are shouting at you. Read John 10.

I'm always here for you if you need some Godly advice. Just ask!!!

God Bless,
Andy