Moral Purity
We will engage in those activities which glorify God in our body
and which avoid the fulfillment of the lust of the flesh. We will read, watch and listen
to those things which are of positive benefit to our spiritual well-being.
- Glorifying God in Our Body
Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost and we are to glorify God in our body
(Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 10:31). We are to walk in the Spirit and
not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Examples of fleshly behavior which
do not glorify God are noted in several passages of Scripture (Romans 1:24; 1
Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8). Sinful practices which are
made prominent and condemned in these scriptures include homosexuality,
adultery, worldly attitudes (such as hatred, envy, jealousy), corrupt communication
(such as gossip, angry outbursts, filthy words), stealing, murder, drunkenness and
witchcraft. Witchcraft has to do with the practices of the occult, which are forbidden
by God and lead to the worship of Satan.
- Reading, Watching and Listening
The literature we read, the programs we watch and the music we listen to profoundly
affect the way we feel, think and behave. It is imperative, then, that the Christian read,
watch and listen to those things which inspire, instruct and challenge to a higher
plane of living. Therefore, literature, programs and music which are worldly in content
or pornographic in nature must be avoided. A Christian is not to attend (or watch on
television) movies or theatrical performances of a demoralizing nature (Romans
13:4; Philippians 4:8).
- Benefiting Spiritual Well-Being
The use of leisure time in the life of a Christian should be characterized by those
activities which edify both the individual and the body of Christ (Romans 6:13;
1 Corinthians 10:31,32). We are to avoid places and practices which are of this world.
Consequently, a Christian must not be a part of any other types of entertainment
which appeal to fleshly nature and/or bring discredit to the Christian testimony.
(2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22; 1 John 2:15-17).
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