Doing what you're asked

Many of the ethical dilemmas we face seem complex at first glance. We don't know what to do! However, the issues often come down to some basic question we must answer.

• Is what you're being asked to do contradictory to Scripture or godly principles? 

While God's Word tells us that we are to obey authority and submit to our earthly master (1 Peter 2:13-14), that principle doesn't apply when we are asked to do anything that contradicts God's Word and ways.

• Will you honor and over God, your ultimate authority, or someone else?

There may be times when we must go against an earthly authority in order to obey God and risk losing our job, status, reputation or friends.

• Would you rather suffer now for what's right or suffer later for doing wrong?

The Bible teaches us that we may have to suffer for what is right. At times, God may call you to take a stand for truth, even though others are asking you to compromise.

• Will you find favor with God for whatever you're being asked to do?

God emphasizes that we will find favor with him if we obey him. Wouldn't you rather have God's blessings than the favor of others, who may turn on you at any moment?

Jesus' disciples were ordered to stop preaching about him, but they decided to obey God rather than other people (Acts 5:29-32,40-42). You may be asked to make hard decisions as well. You have to decide if any job or working relationship is worth sacrificing your integrity and obedience to God.

Deep down you know what's right...but are you willing to pay the price?
-True Identity Bible

{Psalm 1:1-3}

1 Oh, the joys of those who do not

follow the advice of the wicked,

or stand around with sinners,

or join in with mockers.

2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,

meditating on it day and night.

3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,

and they prosper in all they do.

 {John 15:18-16:4}~The World’s Hatred

18 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.  

19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.  

20 Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. 21 They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me.  

22 They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. 

23 Anyone who hates me also hates my Father.  

24 If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father.  

25 This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: ‘They hated me without cause.’

26 “But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.  

27 And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry.

 

1 “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.  

2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. 

3 This is because they have never known the Father or me.  

4 Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.

 

{Acts 5:27-32,40-42}~The Apostles Meet Opposition

27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them.  

28 “Didn’t we tell you never again to teach in this man’s name?” he demanded. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”

29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.  

30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross.  

31 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven.  

32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”

 

40 The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.

41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.  

42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”

 

{1 Peter 2:20}~Slaves

 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.

 

{1 Peter 4:12-19}~Suffering for Being a Christian

 12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.  

13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

14 So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.  

15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs.  

16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 

17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 

18 And also,

“If the righteous are barely saved,

what will happen to godless sinners?”

19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.