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Larry Ray Hafley
"It's ok by me" means, "I think it is alright; it has my approval." From day
to day, all of us make decisions regarding what is right and wrong (Heb. 5:14).
We must make certain that our judgments are in agreement with the will of
God.
"All the ways of a man are right in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the
spirits" (Prov. 16:2). "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the
Lord pondereth the hearts" (Prov. 21:2).
What I may approve or disapprove is not the standard (1 Cor. 4:3-5). What
society may accept is not the true measure of what is right, for often "that
which is highly esteemed among men is abomination (disgusting) in the sight of
God" (Lk. 16:15). Because men and their governments condone abortion, gambling,
drinking, immodest dress, homosexuality, and adulterous marriages, that does not
make it acceptable unto God (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21).
Pray for wisdom (Jas. 1:5). Ask God to help you in making proper choices in
life. Study and meditate on his word (Psa. 119:9-11; 2 Tim. 2:15). Heed the
advice and counsel of godly men (Heb. 13:7).
Even if you can see no "legitimate" or "logical" reason for the prohibition
of a certain action, if the word of God forbids it, do not do it. Why? (1) "For
my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, saith the
Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than
your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa. 55:8, 9). (2) "Rejoice...in
thy youth; and let thine heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in
the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou that for
all these things God will bring thee into judgment....Let us hear the conclusion
of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole
duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment with every secret
thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (Eccl. 11:1; 12:13, 14).
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