How do you determine if you are going to do something or not?  By whether you “want” to do it?  If it will make you appear good to others?  Because it will make you money?  How do you decide?

The Apostle Paul had a method for his decision-making that impacted everything he did. We find it in I Corinthians 9:23: Paul wrote there:  “I do all things for the sake of the gospel.”

This one consideration ruled everything he did: how would it affect the gospel of Jesus, and the work of the Kingdom of God?  Should he eat meat sacrificed to idols?  He asked himself, how would this affect the consciences of others in whom God was working? (I Cor. 8:13)  Should he receive a salary from the church at Corinth? How would this afffect his witness for the gospel there? (I Cor. 9:18)  This was his concern in every single thing he did: how will this affect the gospel?

As we consider our own decisions, we might learn from Paul’s commitment.  This is a good decision-making “grid” that we should learn to run everything we do through: how does this affect the gospel, one way or the other?

Should I do this activity?  How would it affect my witness for the gospel?

Should I eat or drink this? How would it impact my gospel witness?

Should I take this job? Would it serve to further the gospel in some way?

Should I date or marry this person? Would they help you further your ministry with the gospel, or hinder it?

Paul said he did “ALL THINGS” for the sake of the gospel. We would do well to imitate him. If you are a Christian, you should learn to ask this before everything you do: “How will this impact the gospel?”  Once you have the answer as to what is best for the gospel, then you can proceed accordingly.