In research, there is something called "Theoretical Framework". It is the conceptual structure that guides research. It guides assumptions, theories, models and hypothesis. In lay man's term, It is the foundation upon which research is built.
Also, I discovered that the life of everyone on earth is guided by certain frameworks, it can either be eternal or earthly, spiritual or carnal. It is quite easy to know what guides the decisions of a man.
The life of a believer is meant to be guided by eternal values and perspectives. When I talk about the life of a believer, I am talking about everything he does. His decision to marry, choice of career, where to live, what to eat&drink, choice of clothes, job, country of residence, vacation, how to spend money, etc.
A child of God will weigh his decisions and check to see If it aligns with the framework of eternity and not just here and now. For instance, while one believer is spending lavishly on luxuries another with the same financial capacity is thinking about how to spend the same amount on kingdom expansion.
While one doesn't care about people's perception and how it will affect the kingdom the other person with eternal perspective will consider heaven's perspective and ensure his decision represent God's kingdom properly.
When a man's life is driven and guided by hedonistic framework, his decisions will be tailored towards pleasure. Have you ever wondered why people who go to church, listen to God's word take decisions that tend towards pleasure and only the things that are relevant only on this side of eternity?
Paul says, "He died for everyone so THAT THOSE WHO RECEIVE HIS NEW LIFE WILL NO LONGER LIVE FOR THEMSELVES. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them"( 2 Cor 5:15 NLT)
When our framework for living becomes eternal, we'll start living our lives for Christ only not for ourselves or the things that gratifies the flesh. To develop sound eternal framework upon which every other thing in your life will be built, be close to your bible.
