out door steps

7 Steps Of Action When Asked To Do Something You Think is Wrong Part I

It is easy for us to think that we are following Christ and are even suffering for Him when we disobey commands that violate His principles for our lives. But unless we have carefully applied each of the following steps, we are only deceiving ourselves.

We Must Check Our Attitudes:

  • An independent spirit is the basis of disloyalty.

A spirit of independents is so subtle most people do not recognize it for what it actually is --disloyalty. When a person belonging to the Church, a family, or company develops an attitude of unhealthy independence, he or she becomes more and more autonomous within the setup. The Dogmas and Traditions of the Church, the rules and goals of the family unit or the company they work for, no longer control his or her behavior. While still being active in the Church, or family, or company, this person does what he or she wants to do in spite of contrary instructions.

  • A condemning spirit is the basis of self-righteousness.

A self-righteous hypocrite judges the sins of others while overlooking his own sins.

Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam in thy own eye, and then shalt thou see to cast out the mote out of thy brother' s eye. (Matthew 7:5)

A self-righteous hypocrite judges others based on selective standards, not on all of God’s Word.

(Matthew 23)

A self-righteous hypocrite is more concerned about external conformity than with true, inner godliness.

So you also outwardly indeed appear to men just; but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.(Matthew 23:28)

A self-righteous hypocrite is not interested in helping others grow in godliness, but only in gaining a following.

But woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you shut the kingdom of heaven against men, for you yourselves do not enter in; and those that are going in, you suffer not to enter. Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you go round about the sea and the land to make one proselyte; and when he is made, you make him the child of hell twofold more than yourselves. (Matthew 23:13,15)

A self-righteous hypocrite justifies himself by comparing himself with others or by blaming others for his own sins.

The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican. I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess. (Luke 18:11-12)

  • An ungrateful spirit is the the basis of pride

All pride is self-love. Self-love says I am what I am because I made it. Self-love says I got there by myself, who's to thank? Self-love is ungrateful for that reason and secondly, self-love is ungrateful because it never has enough. So when it is it ever going to stop and say I'm grateful? What am I going to be grateful for, I never have had enough yet? I haven't reached the point of thankfulness because I haven't reached the point of satisfaction. Self-love says I did it myself and self-love says I haven't got it all yet.

  • A lazy spirit is the basis of dishonesty and poverty

The slothful man saith: There is a lion in the way, and a lioness in the roads. (Proverbs 26:13)

In other words he is so lazy he will be dishonest and say that there is a lion in the street so he will not come out to work.

The slothful hand hath wrought poverty: (Proverbs 10:4)

  • A bitter spirit is the basis of selfishness.

The world says: "You have needs -- satisfy them. You have as much right as the rich and the mighty. Don't hesitate to satisfy your needs; indeed, expand your needs and demand more." This is the worldly doctrine of today. And they believe that this is freedom. And if you are not able to satisfy your needs, to expand your needs, or are struggling for more, it is then that bitterness sets in.

  • An impure spirit is the basis of self-indulgence.

Self-indulgence, for what we are talking about, is a lack of self-control or undisciplined living, that will weaken you. It can be the way you spend money. It can be sex. It can be food. It can be alcohol. It can be your emotions. It can be the way you manage your time. Anything that's left out of control will weaken your life. and self indulgence in these things start by an impure spirit.

Instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, and justly, and godly in this world....(Titus 2:11)

 

7 Steps Of Action When Asked To Do Something You Think is Wrong Part I
cancel
Close
Search