RIGHT CHOICES!
By Bibleman
Every day we all have to make choices about what types of food and beverages we will consume, what clothes we are going to wear, what adornments we will put on our bodies, what music we are going to listen to, what books or literature we will read, what type of recreation or entertainment we will choose to enjoy, what TV programs we will watch, what computer sites we will visit, what games we will play, what words we choose to speak from our mouth, what type of behavior we will express to others, what kind of attitudes we will have, what hobbies and activities we will pursue, what sinful temptations we will give in to, what addictive habits we will support, how we will perform at our places of work, how we will treat other people, what clubs, societies, organizations, cults, churches or groups we will join or participate in, and how we will spend our time and our money. This Brochure will help you to understand some important Biblical principles that you can apply to your everyday choices. Our everyday choices have a detrimental impact on our health and wellbeing. Find out how you can have a healthy mind, body and spirit by applying God’s principles to all of your choices in life!
WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK?
The Bible gives us some very important instructions in this area. Moderation is the Biblical principle by which we avoid eating or drinking too much of any one thing. The Bible tells us the same thing that modern medicine has found out by treating sickness. If we want to be healthy we must avoid eating fatty foods (Lev. 3:17, 7:23) and avoid eating to many sweets (Prov. 25:27). We must maintain temperance and self-control over what we choose to eat and drink and avoid over indulging (2 Pet. 1:6).
PRACTICE MODESTY
In our appearance the Bible informs us to be modest. We should avoid wearing clothing that is too extravagant and those that promote a prideful appearance (1 Tim. 2:9). Although we should always be clean and neat in our appearance the Bible forbids outward adornments and the wearing of jewelry and make-up (1 Pet. 3:3,4). Immodest dress standards such as wearing very tight clothes or dresses, shirts, pants, and shorts that are too short, shirts or clothing that reveals too many body parts only incite lust in members of the opposite sex and should be avoided.
WHAT MUSIC TO LISTEN TO?
Listening to the wrong kinds of music can be very dangerous! Music is one of the primary vehicles the devil uses to warp people’s minds. Listening to devilish rock and roll, rap, or music that stirs up the lusts of the flesh only promotes evil thoughts and actions. Many people have become satanic and have been oppressed or possessed by evil spirits as a result of listening to the devils music. Others have either killed people or committed suicide from having listened to such evil filth. If you listen to such evil and dark music you are actually worshipping Satan who is the author of all the works of darkness. Anything that glorifies sinful actions, evil, death, killing, horror, lust, etc., must be completely avoided by a Christian because it is of the devil (Rom. 13:12). Christians should listen to inspiring and uplifting music that glorifies God such as praise and worship music, old-time gospel, church hymns, and some contemporary gospel is not too bad. Some country music is inspirational but much of it only appeals to our sinful flesh and is based on worldly things.
WHAT SHOULD WE READ?
According to the Biblical principle found in Philippians 4:8 we should not read anything that is not true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and things of good report. Books and reading materials that would not meet these Biblical guidelines would be works of fiction, western novels based on vengeance, romance novels that stir up lustful thoughts, religious books or literature that supports false doctrines, man-inspired theories or philosophies that are dangerous and misleading, works of darkness such as pornography, cultic or satanic works such horror stories, witchcraft or new age literature, satanic bibles, mythological works, gothic literature, and cultic works. The Bible should be the most important book in our home and we should have a library of good Christian-oriented books as well as a variety of non-fiction and self-help books that can guide and enrich the family.
WHICH TV PROGRAMS?
TV in itself can be an idol that consumes far too much of our precious time. The Bible tells us to make good use of our time and not waste any of it (Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5). An enormous amount of time can be wasted if we are glued to our TV sets most of the day or evening. Another very important factor that must be considered carefully is the types of TV programs that we are watching. Christians should never allow profanity, pornography, excessive violence, horror, witchcraft, false religion, and other evils to come into their homes through the TV set (1 Thes. 5:22). In order to protect their home and family many devout Christians do not even have a TV in their homes and I believe this is a very wise choice to make. There are better and safer forms of entertainment that can take the place of TV such as Bible-studies, Bible games, Gospel music, Christian books and magazines and beneficial hobbies that benefit the family or glorify God.
BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDES?
The Bible has much to say about how we should speak and act around others. We should be kind and forgiving towards others rather than being bitter, vengeful and angry (Col. 3:8-13). We should refrain from evil speaking such as lying, cursing, corrupt speech, slander and gossip (Eph. 4:23-32). We must never become enraged, violent or abusive to anyone physically or verbally. We should walk in love and do all things in word or deed as the followers of Christ (Eph. 5:1,2; Col. 3:17). The Bible is our rule book and it will instruct us on how we should treat others and the right behaviors, attitudes and actions that we should possess. In the work place Christians should always be cooperative and try to excel by doing the best work that they can for their employer (Col. 3:22-25).
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES?
It is very important to establish the right friendships. Christians are not allowed to fellowship with unbelievers and go to their bars, dance halls and taverns or join their clubs, lodges, social organizations and secret societies. Christians can not have fellowship with unbelievers nor participate with them in the sinful things that they do (Eph. 5:5-7). Christians are to remain separated from all worldly influences and fellowships and have absolutely “no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (2 Cor. 6:14-18; Eph. 5:6-12).
ADDICTIVE HABITS
Christians must avoid using harmful substances that are addictive and physically harmful to our physical health. Smoking, drinking, and using drugs does not glorify God 1 Cor. 10:31). Anything that does not glorify God and anything harmful to our health is of the devil. The devil is always seeking ways to kill, steal and destroy (Jn. 10:10). Don’t let the devil persuade you to use harmful substances that will destroy your health. The Bible says to resist the devil—just say no to smoking, drunkenness and drugs (Jam. 4:7). If you are already addicted to some harmful substance or habit—repent now and ask the Lord to deliver you from the harmful addiction and heal your body from the damage that has been inflicted ( Ps. 103:3; Jer. 30:17; Acts 10:38).
AVOID WORLDLY PLEASURES
The Lord wants us to be happy but we must not seek happiness with sinful lusts and pleasures of this world (Tit. 3:5; Heb. 11:25). Our pleasures should be derived from wholesome activities that glorify God and enrich our lives rather than things that are addictive and harmful to our physical and spiritual health. We are commanded not to love the world or the things of this world (1 Jn. 2:15) Wasting too much time engaged in fruitless pleasures of this life hinders our relationship with God Lk. 8:14; 2 Tim. 3:4). Make the right choices and enjoy your health and wellness!!!
