A Rule for Conduct

A Rule for Conduct
By Fred O. Blakely

For those who must have specific rules for the regulation of every detail of the new life, we have a simplified formula. First, if it is categorically forbidden by new-covenant Scripture, it is sin to do. For example, fornication, adultery, killing, stealing, lying, excess of wine, revelling, etc. As regards the things one should not do, however, there is a more comprehensive principle of regulation. It is simply to ask and answer the question, Will the thing contemplated tend to militate against the knowledge and fellowship of God? If so, it is on the prescribed list of “do not’s” for you. Your regenerate life consists in the knowledge and communion of the holy Father through Christ His Son. Whatever hinders that is off limits. Everything that “exalteth itself against the knowledge of God” must be cast down or laid aside as the plague (II Cor, 10:3-5). Or, to say the same thing, anything that chokes the Word in you, making it unfruitful (Lu. 8:8-14), or causes the Word to be unpalatable, is against your well-being, and is to be avoided. Due application of this principle, though it calls for personal discernment and devotion, will solve all the popular problems of “Is it right or wrong to do this or that?"