Paul wrote, “ Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:12-14).

As Christians, our debt, or obligation, is to live in a manner consistent with our position as a son of God. Our past life consisted of servitude to Satan (Romans 6:16-18). Through Christ, we have been set free (cf. Romans 8:1ff). We must therefore no longer pay tribute to our old master by perpetrating iniquitous exploits. According to our context, walking such a fleshly path harms us spiritually (to say the least) and brings condemnation. Suffice it to say, we must not do that which may harm us spiritually!

And so how do we avoid such actions? Brother Winkler suggested we ask four questions as we determine whether our actions will harm us spiritually. Here are the questions:

  1. Will it militate against spirituality?
  2. After I do it, can I still pray?
  3. Will it dilute my fervor?
  4. Will it cause me to loose interest?

There is a lot of wisdom behind these questions. We would all do well to ask them especially if the action we are considering might be on the borderline.