Is it wrong? Thinking about gray areas in life.
inspired by J. Oswald Sanders in A Spiritual Clinic
Sanders gives six questions that help guide us as we consider our choices.
Will it bring glory to God?
Admittedly we don’t always know exactly how God will use our choices to glorify Himself, but if it is our intention to lift Him up and honor Him in all things it is much easier to eliminate some choices.
Is it profitable?
Not financially but eternally. Is there spiritual value in my actions? Am I considering how my choices will reflect on the cause of Christ, my Church or the Gospel? It is worth spending time meditating on where real value lies.
Does it edify?
Does this action build up the body of Christ? Is it part of my ongoing growth in Christlikeness? Does it make following Jesus easier or more difficult? Too often we don’t think through the ramifications until we are dealing with the consequences.
Does it tend to enslave?
This is a tricky one in today’s world! Advertising dollars are spent to influence you toward things you don’t need and often wouldn’t want if you really stopped to think about it. Social Media is intentionally designed to keep you engaged and paying attention so that advertising dollars will continue to flow. You are the product that Social Media sells to make money.
Will it strengthen me against temptation?
Our choices, if they are consistent, make it easier or harder to resist temptation. Am I preparing to resist and planning to follow Jesus or am I mindlessly wandering through life hoping I recognize the dangers before I am trapped? Put on the whole armor of God and be prepared to stand your ground!
Is it characteristic of the world or of the Father?
Some things are obvious. This is the kind of thing God loves. This is the kind of thing God hates. Others may take a little more effort to think through to recognize.
These questions may clear up all of your doubts but Paul gives us a few principles in Romans 14 that also help when we think about doubtful things.
Liberty of Judgement, Romans 14:1-2 – there are many choices to be made! one eats, one doesn’t. You may be a vegetarian and I love hamburgers hot off the grill. Most are not worth arguing about so be careful.
Right of Personal Conviction, Romans 14:5 – as part of our many choices we need to make them based on personal conviction which has hopefully developed through careful study of God’ sWord and time in prayer along with conversation with the church family. You don’t live in a vacuum. Use the resources God gives you.
Accountability to God Alone, Romans 14:4 – God is the final judge of our actions and choices. That should give some gravitas to our decision making!
No Attitude of Judgement when others make different choices, Romans 14:10 – refer back one, God is the judge, not me or you. Leave that role to God and instead of judging, try to build up others, strengthen their faith and encourage a closer walk with God. If they are mistaken in their choices, a closer walk with Jesus can only help!
Abstinence in the Interests of Others, Romans 14:21- be willing to give up your ‘rights’ for the sake of others. Not easy, but it is part of considering others better than yourself. Remember that whole humility thing Jesus taught?
Abstinence from Things Doubtful, Romans 14:23
If you aren’t sure, leave it alone. Pursue the things you know God loves and grow in your ability to keep your focus on the clear things of God.
These questions and principles are helpful to us, particularly when we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us as we think through our actions and choices in life. God works on our heart to draw us to Him, making our choices not legalistic and condemning, but a heartfelt song of praise in the form of a life of sacrificial worship to our Great God!