LITTLE ROCK — DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I know some things are always wrong, but what about situations where the Bible doesn't give us a clear rule? How should we decide whether or not to do something that might be questionable?
- J.H.
DEAR J.H.: Many years ago, as a young man, I faced this samequestion, and I'll never forget the advice a godly old preacher gave me: "When you're wondering if it's OK to do something that's questionable, don't do it!" Over theyears, I've found this to be good advice, and I've always tried to follow it. I often recall the Bible's words: "Abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22, KJV).
If God has told us that something is right or wrong, we need to obey His Word. The Ten Commandments, for example, are still in effect, and if we ignore them we will pay a terrible price. (You can read them in Exodus 20:1-17.)
The Bible doesn't give us an exact rule for every situation we might face. But the Bible does give us the moral and spiritual principles we need to guide us. For example, the Bible tells us to "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy" (Hebrews 12:14). How much better our lives - and our world - would be if we followed those principles!
No matter what others do, make it your goal to live for Christ and follow Him. Ask God to keep you pure - and to make you a witness to others.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the Web site at
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