IS IT RIGHT? by Baptist Commonwealth

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Jan 25, 1905

IS IT RIGHT?

By Baptist Commonwealth

It is a very peculiar fact that whenever there is a worldly amusement about which we are in doubt, we invariably ask the question, "Is it wrong to do that?" "Is it wrong for Christians to dance?" "Is it wrong to go to the theater?" "Is it wrong to play cards?" Always, Is it wrong?

It is very much the same as in the matter of eating. When there is something that we desire, we always ask ourselves, "Will it hurt me?" If we can satisfy ourselves that it will not do any serious damage, that it will not bring on indigestion or dyspepsia, or sleeplessness, or cramps, we eat it. We never ask, "Will it help me?" "Is it just what I need to build up body and brain, to make blood and strengthen the tissues, to increase my energy, and improve my general health?" Never. It is always, "Will it hurt me?"

So it is with worldly amusements. "Is it wrong?" we ask. "Does God forbid it?" "Is there anything in the Bible against it?" If we can satisfy ourselves that it is not wrong, we engage in it. Is that all that should be asked? Why not occasionally reverse it, and ask, "Is it right?" Suppose it is not wrong, there is still the question, "Is it best?" "Is it what I need to be more effective in my influence for Christ?" "Is it going to make me nobler and truer, better able to fulfil my life work?" "No," must we say, "it will not do that." Then hands off. Life is too full of that which is uplifting, helpful, and character-forming, to spend our time on that which has at the best only a neutral influence.