I know we are humans, we have got emotions and we want to give people 'aura for aura' in the local parlance, however, because of our identify in Christ, we should have him as our mentor, model, and approval. Apostle Paul modelled Christ to his followers, he came from the confidence of being word compliant to say' be yee followers of me, as I am also of Christ' meaning the lifestyle, nature and character of God were evident in Him. The same man would go on to say we should look on to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, this means our actions, reactions and associations should rise and fall on Him. Let your life so shine that people will see your good work and glorify your Father in heaven, that is in all that we do, people must see traits attributable to God and consistent with what our profession of faith is else there will be no conviction registered. In managing and moderating our emotions we should follow this:- we do not have a high priest that can not be touched with the feelings of our infirmities , but he was tempted in all things, yet without sin.
Having positioned the above , when we want to act and decide , in my walk with God, he has helped me with these two questions
1) Does it glorify God- removing sin and all form of worldliness no matter how subtle or inconsequential.
2) Does it add value to humanity - the impact and influence of being an ambassador of Christ
So people have asked me what if it adds value to humanity and doesn't glorify God, my answer has always been drop it , hear me, people will attempt weaving in logic and al, but the world will not be the judge and assessor of your actions on judgement day, our works will be tested with fire so don't indulge the habits and reasoning of the world, then the other side of it , the hack itself, once it glorifies God, go to sleep, sooner than/or later, it will add value to humanity, so people will catch it instantly, some will later, you have a conscience devoid of good between man and God, you will be at peace and continue to enjoy the presence of God.
Grace & Peace unto you
Your friend,
Samson Babajide Fayoyiwa
In write-up citations:- 1 Corinthians 11:1 , Hebrews 4:15, Mathew 5:16