Is “Safe” Really Better Than “Sorry”?

   If we spent more time doing the things that we know are moral and good, I wonder if we would still have time to speculate about the activities that might be “questionable” for Christians. I think that’s a valid thought for all to consider. I mean, if we all just spent our spare time enjoying God’s creation, spending time with loved ones, watching or playing our favorite sports, piddling with our various hobbies, singing praises to God, or teaching and serving others, etc., could we not be completely content with those things? Would we still feel the need to edge ever closer to that “line” between good and evil? What would your life be like if you simply ceased doing morally questionable things.

   Would you gamble, if you were committed to doing only things that are surely good? The man who was given one talent was called wicked and slothful because he just didn’t do anything with the money he was given (Mt 25). How will the man or woman who uses questionable methods to get gain be viewed by the Master?

   What clothes would you wear if you were only interested in doing that which was certain to be right? Where would one who wanted to dress in “modest apparel” and “profess godliness” draw the line between modest and immodest? (I Tim 2:9).

   Would you joke about sin and those who commit sin if you limited your conversations to what you know to be godly communication? (Eph 4:29). 

   Would you drink alcohol socially or even privately if you wanted to be positive that your actions were pleasing to God? (Prov 20:1). 

   What if we all took the stance that we would only do those things which we know to be acceptable in God’s sight?  Would we suffer so greatly from lack of enjoyment that we couldn’t be happy? What is it that would keep us from being this dedicated to God? Is it too big a sacrifice for us to be sure about the propriety of our actions before we do them? The “better safe than sorry” philosophy may sound outdated to many people, but I just can’t imagine God being anything but pleased with a servant who is so careful about obeying His will.

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