How To Choose When It’s Grey
I get a lot of questions regarding what is okay or not for Christians to do. You know, can I go to a party? What’s wrong with wearing minis or tight trousers or low necklines? Is it okay for me to watch the Big Brother Africa or other reality episodes and other movies? Is sex before marriage okay? What’s wrong with just kissing and on and on the questions come.
Recently I found the following guidelines helpful for me. Hopefully, they should put these questions in perspective. Although they are primarily designed for the husband and wife relationship, they can be applied to just about anything else that seems to be in the “grey zone”.
1. Is it prohibited in Scripture? If not, we may assume it is permitted. “Everything is permissible for me.” (1 Corinthians 6: 12, NIV)
2. Is it beneficial? Does the practice in any way harm the husband or hinder the sexual relationship? If so, it should be rejected. “Everything is permissible for me-but not everything is beneficial.” (1 Corinthians 6:12, NIV)
3. Does it involve anyone else? Sexual activity is sanctioned by God for husband and wife only. If a sexual practice involves someone else or becomes public, it is wrong based on Hebrews 13:14, which warns us to keep the marriage bed undefiled.
(Intimate Issues by Linda Dillow &Lorraine Pintus)
Let’s put that in practice. Based on what you know from the Holy Bible; ask yourself
Is Watching Big Brother prohibited?
Is it beneficial?
Does it involve someone else other than people married to each other?
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One Comment on “How To Choose When It’s Grey”
“I think we live in a way where we want to look “cool” or act “cool” and still be called a Christian. We tend to justify our actions by personalizing our faith - Well its okay for me to wear this or be at the party or do that because “my Jesus” is ok with it; better yet I don’t feel convicted in any way with what I am doing.
The scripture you quoted is just right on the mark. We don’t have to do things because it is permissible. Just because everyone is doing it doesn’t mean I have to do the same thing.
Jesus says we are in the world but not of the world. So lets not allow the world to dictate our way of living as Christians. Its the reverse the world ought to follow us.
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