10 "P" Tests to Actions, Words, and Deeds[i]
1. Purity
Test - Can I do this to a body where Christ dwells?
1 Cor. 6:19 - Or do you not know that your body is a
temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are
not your own? (NRSV)
Can I do this without taking my eyes off Jesus?
We are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit dwells within us.
We should not do anything known to intentionally put
our bodies, souls, or minds at risk.
2. Participation
Test - Can I do this and keep my eyes on Jesus?
1 John 2 15-17
- 15 Do not love the world or
the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is
not in him. 16 For all that is in the
world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is
not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the
will of God abides forever.
(NKJV)
We need to look to Jesus the author and finisher of
our faith. Heb. 12:2
Love of this World.
What does this tell us about Jealousy?
Following after Cargo? Etc?
3. Polite
Test - Will doing this have a good affect on others?
Romans 14:7, 21 - 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to
himself (NKJV)
21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that will
cause your brother or sister to sin.
(NCV)
We should never think that what we do only affects
me. Lots of people are watching us and
are influenced by our life.
4. Partner
Test - Can I invite Christ to do this with me?
Col. 3:17 And
whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
(NRSV)
Think about this question when you want to do
something. If Christ was here would I be
comfortable inviting him along with me.
If you are a Christian that's exactly what you are doing.
What do we watch on the Internet that would be an
embarrassment to us if our spouse (or parent) walked in and saw us. If we wouldn't invite mom or dad to
participate in the activity, how much more embarrassment would come if Jesus
was beside us?
5. Public
Test - Will doing this give the appearance of doing right?
1 Thes. 5:21-22 - 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is
good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. (KJV)
Are you doing something that appears to be
evil? What does the unsaved think of
what you are doing? What about your
family?
6. Presence
Test - Would I be happy if Christ saw me doing this when he returns?
1 John 2:28 -Yes, my dear children, live in him so
that when Christ comes back, we can be without fear and not be ashamed in his
presence. (NCV)
Christ is coming back and we are to be ready. John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, saw the
vision that is recorded in the Bible (Book of Revelation) and in Rev 22:20 the
testimony of the Lord concludes with these words, "Yes, I am coming
soon," to which John replies "Amen. Come Lord Jesus." John was ready and waiting, do we have the
same anticipation.
7. Problem
Test - Will this strengthen my relationship with Christ?
Heb 12:1 - We have around us many people whose lives
tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never
give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and
the sin that so easily holds us back. (NCV)
Remove everything that hinders our relationship with
Christ.
8. Proof Test
- Is it good for me mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually?
Romans 12:9 - Let love be genuine; hate what is
evil, hold fast to what is good; (NRSV)
Love the good, but hate sin. My mother use to say that God loves the
sinner but he hates sin. We have to
distinguish between the sin and the sinner.
9. Proclamation
Test - Will this help my witness for Christ?
Phil 2:15 - Then you will be innocent and without
any wrong. You will be God's children without fault. But you are living with
crooked and mean people all around you, among whom you shine like stars in the
dark world. (NCV)
Your testimony is important. How is your witness to those around you?
10.
Peace test -
After praying about it can I do it and have peace?
Phil 4:6-7 - 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus. (NRSV)
These
10 tests are just guideline to help us determine what is right, good, and
wholesome. This is a guide I use to
assist in determining if any given activity, including my conversation, texting,
posting, etc. is appropriate for me.
