How are you making lifestyle decisions?

How do you think about your life as a follower of Jesus?

Do you have a short list of “nots” or oughts? Or perhaps more helpful do you have a short list of questions to ask yourself?

A pastor during my university years shared a short list of questions drawn from 1 Corinthians 6, 8, and 10. On many occasions I have reflected on my life by considering these questions. Most lifestyle decisions I made ahead of the crisis moment by taking stock of God’s Word and these simple questions.

Could this action or substance take control of me?

12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 13“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 1 Corinthians 6:12-13

Could my action(s) cause another believer with whom I share fellowship to stumble?

11And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. 1 Corinthians 8:11-13

Is this action going to make a positive contribution to the life of another person? or How does this help build-up someone else?

23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

Can I pursue this course of action for the glory of God, displaying the glory of God?

31So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33