I googled it.

“How do Americans make decisions”?

“Americans are not making decisions by consulting clergy”, I am informed by the first site.  Not even those who attend church weekly, and not even when making major life decisions, do Americans consult their Pastors.  Who do we go to? Where are we finding the information we need to make potentially life-altering decisions?

Google.

The first century Christians in Corinth obviously did not have Google, so when faced with the decision of whether or not to eat meat that had previously been sacrificed to idols while dining in the home of an unbeliever, how did they make a choice? This is a very specific scenario, one that the average American will likely never find him or herself in, but with Paul’s directive to the church at Corinth, the church of God in all places and times may find a better filter for decision making than Google or the mores of the surrounding culture.

“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”.           

  (1 Corinthians 10:31)

-Does this action I am about to take bring God glory? This question presupposes that I am well enough acquainted with the Lord as He has revealed Himself in the Bible to know whether an action will glorify Him or not. Am I? (Note: don’t Google “how to bring God glory”, it’s not that helpful. I checked.)

“Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” (1 Corinthians 10: 32-33)

-Am I making a decision that is in my own best interest or the best interest of others? This standard sounds decidedly un-American. I’m an American. I am not certain I know how to make a decision that is not in my best interest. Lord, teach me how to think about the interests of others over myself, and give me a heart that desires to seek the good of others so that they may know You, even when it costs me greatly!

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

-Is the choice I am about to make in accord with Scripture? Do I know what Scripture says on this matter? Am I committed to following the example of Christ even if it is at odds with what my heart wants?  Am I willing to allow the Word of God to shape my mind and influence my choices? Lord, give me a hunger for Your Word and a passion for Your glory!

Church, Google has its place, but only Jesus has the words of eternal life. May we increasingly look to Him for all of life’s answers, as the Spirit of God conforms us to the image of the risen Christ.

-Natalie Runyon