Every believer desires to do the Lord's will. He wants to do what the Lord's Word says. And I believe that for every situation we face and every decision we are to make, there is a biblical example and biblical principle given. If we would seek hard enough, we would find the answer to every question regarding what the Lord would have us to do. Like the faithful Father that He is, He never leaves His children in the dark; on the contrary, He gives them light—HIS WORD! His Word is a "lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path." "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths" (Prov. 3:6). If we really want direction from the Lord, He will give it. Sometimes we have not because we ask not, and I believe sometimes we ask not because we already know the answer and do not really want to do what we know should be done. That is tragic, but that is the flesh. May God deliver us from it and make us willing and obedient to do His will. I submit three things to you that I believe can be applied to every decision we need to make, every situation which arises that we need an answer as to what to do. Examine everything using this threefold criteria.
IS IT FOR GOD'S GLORY? Is what I am about to do or where I am about to go going to be in the best interest of God's glory? Will God receive more glory in this way or another? "Whether we eat or drink, do all for the glory of God."
IS THIS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CHURCH? How is this decision going to affect the church of which I am a member and vitally joined to? No believer is independent, but is a member of the body. Everything we do affects the church. We need to guard against anything which may bring reproach upon our God and His church, and we need to seek out ways to serve it and not ourselves. "That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another."
HOW IS THIS GOING TO AFFECT MY FAMILY'S SPIRITUAL GOOD? I have a husband, wife, son or daughter; everything I do, every decision I make affects them in some way. I must lay aside my personal desires in favor ofthem. I must do what is best for their spiritual good. ".... as Christ loved the church."