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The Importance of God’s Commands

When we were children, our parents likely gave us numerous rules to follow. As we grew older, we came to understand that these rules were for our benefit, even if we didn’t fully appreciate them at the time. Similarly, our heavenly Father, Jehovah, provides us with direct commands through His Word, the Bible. These commands are designed to guide us and protect us. For instance, Jehovah forbids idolatry, fornication, adultery, and theft (Exodus 20:1-17; Acts 15:28-29). As we mature spiritually, we recognize that Jehovah’s commands are not restrictive but are meant for our good (Ephesians 4:15; Isaiah 48:17-18; 54:13).

However, life presents many situations for which there is no direct command from the Bible. Some might argue that in the absence of a direct Bible law, they are free to do as they please. They may think that if God had felt it necessary, He would have expressed His will in the form of a direct command. Yet, this line of thinking often leads to unwise decisions that one might later regret.

Developing a Bible-Trained Conscience

The Bible contains not only laws but also principles that reflect God’s way of thinking. As we study the Bible and come to know Jehovah’s perspective, we develop a Bible-trained conscience. This helps us make choices that align with His will, even when there is no explicit command. In doing so, we bring joy to Jehovah’s heart and reap the benefits of wise decisions (Ephesians 5:1).

Consider the example of Joseph. When he faced the immoral advances of Potiphar’s wife, there was no written law against adultery at that time. Yet Joseph recognized that adultery was a sin against God (Genesis 39:9). He understood that adultery violated God’s principles as expressed in the creation of marriage (Genesis 2:24).

Another example is seen in the actions of Paul and Timothy. Before taking Timothy on his missionary journeys, Paul circumcised him because of the Jews in the area (Acts 16:3). This was done despite the decree that Christians were no longer required to be circumcised (Acts 15:5-6, 28-29). Paul wanted to avoid causing unnecessary offense and better to reach the Jews with the message of Christ. This decision exemplified Paul’s deep concern for the spiritual welfare of others (2 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

Applying Bible Principles Today

Jesus Christ provided the ultimate example of understanding and applying God’s principles. In His Sermon on the Mount, He taught that one should obey God’s laws beyond what is explicitly stated (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28). Jesus, Paul, Timothy, and Joseph did not adopt the reasoning that one can do as one pleases in the absence of a specific command. They understood and lived by the two greatest commands: to love God and to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40).

Making Wise Choices in Personal Matters

We should not approach the Bible merely as a legal document expecting every obligation to be explicitly detailed. Instead, we should seek to understand Jehovah’s will and make decisions that reflect His thinking (Ephesians 5:17; Romans 12:2). This approach brings joy to Jehovah because it shows our desire to please Him and to imitate His love (Proverbs 23:15; 27:11).

Choosing Entertainment

Consider a young man who wants to purchase a music album. The lyrics are sexually explicit and profane, and the artist’s recordings are angry and aggressive. As a lover of Jehovah, the young man should consider God’s perspective on such entertainment. Galatians 5:19-23 lists the works of the flesh and the fruitage of God’s spirit. The young man should discern that music promoting fornication, uncleanness, and fits of anger is out of harmony with God’s thinking.

Paul’s mention of “things like these” indicates that readers should use their perceptive powers to identify other activities displeasing to Jehovah. The same principles apply to movies, television programs, computer games, and websites.

Maintaining an Acceptable Personal Appearance

The Bible provides principles that guide us in dress and grooming, enabling us to maintain a fitting and pleasing appearance. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 advises women to dress modestly and with soundness of mind. This principle applies to men as well. Christians should be mindful of how their appearance affects the perception of the Bible’s message. An exemplary Christian considers the spiritual welfare of others over personal preferences (2 Corinthians 6:3; Matthew 18:6; Philippians 1:10).

Sharpening Perceptive Powers

How can we develop our perceptive powers to understand and please Jehovah even without specific direction? Regular reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word is essential. This gradual growth in perception helps us understand and live by God’s principles (Hebrews 5:14).

God’s laws test our obedience, while His principles test our spirituality and desire to please Him. As we grow spiritually, we emphasize imitating Jehovah and His Son, basing our decisions on God’s thinking as indicated by the Scriptures. This brings joy to Jehovah and increases our own joy.

Outstanding Bible Examples

Examining Bible accounts of God’s servants reveals how they applied Jehovah’s thinking even without direct commands. Joseph and Paul provide clear examples. Their actions were guided by an understanding of God’s principles and a desire to please Him.

Choice of Entertainment

The young man considering the purchase of a music album with inappropriate content should reflect on Galatians 5:19-23. The works of the flesh include behaviors contrary to God’s spirit. By avoiding such content, he aligns his choices with God’s principles.

Acceptable Personal Appearance

Maintaining modesty and soundness of mind in dress and grooming, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, ensures that Christians present themselves in a manner that reflects reverence for God. This consideration extends to how their appearance impacts the perception of the Bible’s message.

Sharpening Perceptive Powers

Developing perceptive powers requires consistent engagement with God’s Word. Hebrews 5:14 emphasizes the need for spiritual maturity, achieved through regular study and application of biblical principles.

Applying Principles in Daily Life

Christians should seek to understand and apply God’s principles in all areas of life. This includes entertainment choices, personal appearance, and interactions with others. By doing so, they reflect Jehovah’s thinking and bring joy to His heart.

Living by God’s Principles

Living by God’s principles involves more than adhering to specific commands. It requires understanding Jehovah’s thinking and making decisions that align with His will. This approach brings joy to Jehovah and enhances our own spiritual well-being.

By following biblical principles and developing a deep understanding of Jehovah’s will, Christians can navigate life’s challenges and make choices that honor God. This comprehensive approach to Christian living ensures that we reflect God’s love and wisdom in all that we do.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).