In what ways can we test our actions to please the Lord? Setting the Scene: Our Call to Test and Prove “and test and prove what pleases the Lord.” — Ephesians 5:10 The life of faith is not guesswork. Scripture invites believers to examine every attitude, word, and deed so that nothing slips past the standard of Christ. Romans 12:2 echoes the call: “Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God”. The following anchors offer practical, Scripture-rooted ways to carry out that testing. Anchor 1: Measure by the Word • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds that all Scripture is “God-breathed … so that the man of God may be complete.” • Any action that contradicts clear biblical commands—lying, sexual immorality, bitterness, theft—fails the test immediately (Exodus 20; Ephesians 4:25-32). • Positive alignment looks like generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7), truth-telling (Ephesians 4:15), and purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Anchor 2: Submit to the Holy Spirit • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). • The Spirit never leads in opposition to Scripture; He illuminates it and empowers obedience (John 14:26). • Sensitivity to His promptings grows through regular prayer and meditating on the Word. Anchor 3: Evaluate the Fruit • Galatians 5:22-23 lists “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” • Actions that cultivate these qualities pass the test; those producing envy, strife, or division reveal fleshly roots (Galatians 5:19-21). • Long-term observation often exposes hidden motives that a hurried decision might miss. Anchor 4: Consider Motive and Glory • 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” • Colossians 3:17 adds that every deed should bear Jesus’ name with thankfulness. • Self-promotion, revenge, or mere convenience cannot please the Lord; actions aimed at exalting Christ do. Anchor 5: Seek Godly Counsel • “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” (Proverbs 11:14). • Mature believers provide perspective that personal blind spots can obscure (Proverbs 15:22). • Counsel aligns with Scripture and the Spirit’s leading, never against them. Anchor 6: Rest in the Peace of Christ • “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15). • When an action matches Scripture, bears good fruit, and exalts Christ, the Spirit grants inner confirmation—a settled assurance rather than nagging unrest. Practical Checklist for Daily Decisions • Does Scripture clearly affirm or forbid this action? • Does it reflect the character and teaching of Jesus? • Is the Spirit producing godly fruit through it? • Does it glorify God rather than self? • Have trusted, Scripture-saturated believers confirmed it? • Is Christ’s peace ruling my heart about it? Continually applying these anchors transforms testing into a lifestyle. “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). |
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