Ethics- a subject that touches on an ever growing concern from business, politics, religion, family...in fact there isn't an area of our life where ethics are not important. In the world, "ethics" is defined as "doing what is right". In Christianity, it means "doing God's will". Even if you aren't a Christian, the following guidelines can help you when it comes time to making those tough choices where the road is not quite clear.

God's will in the Bible- knowing what it is comes from two different sources. The first is what is considered "infallible". These things are clear mandates in scripture. An example of this is, "thou shalt not kill".

James 1:5- If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

The difficulty comes in those things that are not as clear. These things we call "fallible". There isn't a direct mandate for it...or in the case of "thou shalt not kill"... must also be coupled with further wisdom if we were to ask the question- 'Is it right to kill someone who is trying to kill me?". This is where we need to have wisdom and understanding of God's principals that are established.

God's principals, woven throughout the Bible, are very important for us who live thousands of years removed from the original scriptures. There are many things the Bible gives no specific mandate or commandment for. After all, when Paul was alive, there were no airplanes, no grocery stores, cell phones, internet, freeways...what does the Bible have to say about "road rage" for instance? Nothing. There is no such thing in the Bible given as a command, "thou shalt not commit road rage". The Bible does, however, have a great deal to say about anger! This then becomes our guiding principal on the issue in determining whether we should do it or not.

So how do we determine what to do when we are without a clear commandment in the Bible? The following 17 questions can help guide us to answer many of these questions. These can serve as a "rule of thumb" as we seek to live lives that are pleasing to God and in line with our Christian walk.

The Seventeen Questions to ask:

1. Is it for the Lord?

2. Does it bring praise to him?

3. Can I do it in his name?

4. Can I thank him for it?

5. Can I take Jesus with me?

6. Would Jesus do it?

7. Does it belong in the home of the Holy Spirit?

8. Is it of faith?

9. Do I have misgivings?

10. Does it positively benefit someone and build up?

11. Does it spring from or lead to the love of this world, and its value system?

12. Does it involve union (marriage) with an unbeliever?

13. Does it come from or have the potential of leading to bondage?

14. What is my motive- pride or love, or something else?

15. Is a Godly mindset the context of my decision on the matter?

16. What does the church say about it?

17. Would I like to be doing this when Jesus comes?

• If we follow these simple guidelines the next time we need to have wisdom in a matter, asking ourselves these questions will help us to know if we are on the right path or not. Because our world today poses many questions on morality and ethics not written about in the Bible, knowing God’s Biblical principals will help us safeguard our decisions and help us as we follow Him on this journey.

Works Cited

McQuilken, Robertson. Biblical Ethics. Carol Stream: Tyndale, 1995.