Dubbed "The Prince of Preachers," Charles H. Spurgeon left an unrivaled legacy among the giants of Christendom. Even today, his volumes of sermons are classics. But Spurgeon had a habit that occasionally brought him under fire–no pun intended. He loved a good cigar.
I mention this not to malign Spurgeon or his personal choices, but to illustrate the obvious: discerning between right and wrong is not always simple. In these days of elastic morality, where rules and old-time mores often bend to justify a desired end, pat answers seldom satisfy. Ask anyone with experience in child training!
So what is one to do? When faced with choices in virtually every area of personal behavior, these four questions might help.
WILL THIS ACTIVITY BE PROFITABLE (BENEFICIAL) FOR ME?
We must be careful here; almost anything can be deemed "beneficial." Of his smoking, Spurgeon said, "When I have found intense pain relieved, a weary brain soothed, and calm, refreshing sleep obtained by a cigar, I have felt grateful to God, and have blessed His name…." He made this claim in a 1874 newspaper article justifying his statement that he could smoke cigars "to the glory of God."
WILL THIS ACTIVITY GAIN MASTERY OVER ME?
When something gains mastery over us, we become slaves to its destructive whims. But addictive behavior is not limited to drugs, alcohol, pornography, and rock music. Some people are addicted to power, gambling, or even shopping. And the question can be answered with a wan dishonesty. "I can stop this or that any time I want. I've done it hundreds of times."
WILL THIS ACTIVITY EDIFY BOTH OTHERS AND ME?
Edify means to instruct or improve, morally or spiritually. Another way of stating the question would be, "Will this activity build me up and improve me?" Samuel Wesley's (brother of John and Charles Wesley) epitaph reads (in part): "A man, for his uncommon wit and learning, esteemed by all. An excellent preacher: but whose best sermon was the constant example of an edifying life." What a way to be remembered!
WILL THIS ACTIVITY CAUSE SOMEONE ELSE TO STUMBLE?
In other words, will this activity put a stumbling block in the way, over which another may fall? Will it cause a person to distrust or desert one he ought to trust and obey? Will it cause someone who sees me to experience indignation, chagrin, or bewilderment? Will it entice someone into destructive behavior?
Spurgeon was a man of strong will and conviction who continually insisted he was not addicted to his cigars. And I believe history bears him out. But I do wonder about a crucial issue he didn't mention in his newspaper article. Did HIS example of indulgence cause weaker brethren to fall into trap they couldn't escape?
Ever since Cain slew Abel, we're prone to also ask, "Am I my brother's keeper?" I'm afraid the answer is yes, and that should help define some of the choices I make.
Copyright 2001 James McAlister
Recent Comments