I. Introduction
1. "Lift up a standard for the people" (Isa. 62:10).
2. What motive should guide the Christian in every act of life?
"Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I Cor. 10:31).
3. There are only two ways recognized by our Lord: the way that leadeth unto life, and the way that leadeth to destruction (Matt. 7:13, 14).
4. There is a way that seemeth right, but it also ends in destruction (Prov. 16:25).
5. God's Word to be the guidebook for His people (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).
6. Christ is to be our example (1 Peter 2:21).
II. Separation From the World
1. How will the true Christian relate himself to the things of this world (1 John 2:15, 16)?
2. "Be not conformed to this world" (Rom. 12:2).
3. One cannot serve the god of this world and be a Christian at the same time (Matt. 6:24; 2 Cor. 4:3, 4).
4. The Bible teaches a complete separation from the world in all things (2 Cor. 6:14-18).
III. Apply the Test for All Our Actions
1. Reading (Phil. 4:8)
a. "The religious experience is to a great degree determined by the character of the books you read in your leisure moments."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 204.
b. "Books that delineate the satanic practices of human beings [though they be true] are giving publicity to evil."—Counsels to Parents and Teachers, p. 134.
c. "There is another class of books—love stories and frivolous, exciting tales—which are a curse to everyone who reads them, even though the author may attach a good moral. Often religious statements are woven all through these books; but in most cases Satan is but clothed in angel robes to deceive and allure the unsuspicious. The practice of story reading . . . produces a false, unhealthy excitement, fevers the imagination, unfits the mind for usefulness, and disqualifies it for any spiritual exercise. It weans the soul . . . from the love of spiritual things."—Ibid., p. 134. (Italics supplied.)
d. Many of the early believers burned their books of questionable contents (Acts 19:18, 19). May not this list of questionable books include the so-called comic books that glorify crime and weird adventure?
2. Music—Sing unto the Lord (Ps. 92:1-3) Give first place to hymns and spiritual songs
(Col. 3:16). Choose your music carefully. Let it be such as to encourage elevated thoughts and feelings, rather than that which degenerates.
3. Dancing (Ps. 149:3)
a. "The dance is connected with other terms, expressive of the great joy of the occasion. The word [dance] may be rendered lute, to which other instruments are joined."—Critical and Explanatory Commentary on the Whole Bible, Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, p. 389.
b. David danced for joy (2 Sam. 6:14-16).
c. "Recreation is needful. ... It is not essential to our salvation nor for the glory of God, to keep the mind laboring constantly, . . . even upon religious themes. There are amusements, such as dancing, card playing, chess, checkers, etc., which we cannot approve, because Heaven condemns them. These amusements open the door for great evil."—Counsels to Parents and Teachers, p. 346.
4. Relaxation and Recreation
The most relaxing, recreating forces are: o. A faith in God.
b. A healthy religion.
c. Restful sleep.
d. Good music.
e. Wholesome laughter.
5. Theater, Motion Pictures
a. "Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. .. . There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical amusements."—Ibid., p. 334.
b. There are more than 20 million people in the United States who attend the theater every day.
c. "Those who would not fall a prey to Satan's devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts." —Messages to Young People, p. 285.
d. There are many good pictures on travel, animal life, industry, et cetera that are all right for a Christian to see if they are shown in a reputable place such as a school auditorium or private home.
e. Every Christian should ask himself: "What influence will these amusements have on physical, mental, and moral health?" Remember, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).
IV. Choosing the Right Way
One is not compelled to maintain these Bible standards (Deut. 30:15-20), but he shall be judged by them (Eccl. 11:9).
V. How to Make the Right Choice
1. Get the facts.
2. Analyze the facts.
3. Arrive at a decision.
4. Obey God's Word (1 Kings 18:21).
