Talking about those gray areas. This can be a subject that gets very controversal, heated, and uncomfortable for Christians. Are there things I can do now as a Christian that isn't defined as sin anymore? I have "Christian Liberty" now, so that means I can do anything I want…right? (Just as a disclaimer, if this is already feeling uncomfortable for you, you can stop reading at any time. Any views expressed later on in this blog are my opinion and interpretation of the Word of God, not necessarily definite truth.)
This topic came up during a bible study this past week amongst some Christian peers. Some exchanges took place, and definitely different opinions were expressed. I kept my mouth sealed the whole time, I don't know why. Out of fear possibly…maybe my opinion on the matter was wrong? Or maybe I would say something and offend someone? But you want to know my opinion on the matter, so here it is…
"Christian Liberty is freedom from sin, not freedom to do whatever I want." – spoken by a very wise person
Whoah, whoah, whoah! Wait a second!!! We are free from the law as Christians! You may even think I'm being a bit too legalistic on the matter. Let's see what Paul had to say about this.
"all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful, all things are lawful, but not all things build up." – 1 Corinthians 10:23
"just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they might be saved." – 1 Corinthians 10:33
There are many things that we try to justify as Christians. It's okay for me to do this one thing (I don't even have to mention them, they will be popping into your head.) even if others view it as sin. We try to make it okay. Maybe we think that they are even okay to do around other Christians, just not around those who aren't as strong, or non-Christians. Does anyone else see something shady about these justifications? I heard this stated before and I agree with it 100 percent.
If you want to know how a Christian is supposed to behave, ask a non-Christian. Then you will know for sure.
When Paul mentions that all things are lawful, he doesn't give us permission to just go out there and do all those things. No! He says that they are not all profitable and not all help others. In a very sneaky way he is saying, DON'T DO THOSE THINGS!
When it comes to gray areas, we want to get as close to that line as possible. The huge question is, how far can I go until it is considered sin? We are all like little kids in this way. Why do we even want to get close to that line? I know the bible isn't completely clear on some of these subjects, but there is one thing it is VERY clear on.
We are called to be set apart and holy. We are called to edify and encourage others. We are called to bring the gospel to the lost and broken.
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification." – 1 Thessalonians 4:3a
Are we truly being set apart if we are trying to get as close to sin as possible? Do we really look any different than anyone else in the world? Isn't the thing that sets us apart from the world sometimes? The things that we don't do? Isn't that what makes us different, what makes us stand out? That's a lot to ask yourself. A lot for me to ask myself too.
I think I'll leave this rant at that. Take from it what you will. Know that this was not to offend anyone. But I'll leave you with this question. Instead of asking how close to the line I can get…why not ask how far away I can stay from those questionable things.
