Is it a Sin? (Part 3)

As mentioned in our previous segments, when it comes to what looks like “gray areas” in the bible we can still know what God’s way would be. While the bible may not be specific, it’s definitely not silent. Remember that we were sinners deserving of punishment, but God’s love made a way for Jesus to take our punishment for us. Because of that great sacrifice, we should seek to live our lives in a way that honors God, that reflects good on Him. Since we are now His children, whatever we do will influence how others think about God.

Ok, so we’re trying to glorify God. Next let’s make an effort to be aware of how our own walk and relationship with Christ is affected by our decisions. We should ask ourselves two questions:

Will it benefit me spiritually?

We’re not trying to be selfish here. This is not a “what’s in it for me” attitude, but one where we humbly check that our relationship to God is kept strong.

The place we go to in the bible for this one is First Corinthians 10:23, "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify."

The bible makes it clear that we are free and that there’s no more judgment for those who’ve been ‘born again.’ (Romans 8:1). But being able to do something doesn’t mean we should do it. I think the key word here is “edify.” It basically means to build up or to strengthen. Since we are looking at how a behavior or action will affect our relationship with Christ, we should make choices that will “build up” or “strengthen” that relationship.

Would you rather make choices and do stuff that hurts or strengthens your earthly friendships? Duh. Strengthen. So let’s make the same choices when it comes to Christ. “Will this benefit me spiritually?”

For example: While we may technically be “free” to listen to music or watch movies with morally questionable content or themes, regular exposure to that sort of thing can have an impact on you and desensitize you to immoral things, making your more willing to give in to temptations and cross from the “gray areas” to flat out breaking commandments.
Similarly, while you may be “allowed” to stay out late, take it from an older brother in Christ who’s done my share of stupid: the later it gets, the greater the chance of making choices you’ll regret later.

Instead we should be aware and use some sense and wisdom. Christ paid the ultimate price for our forgiveness. Let’s repay His love with our own by making choices that strengthen our relationship with Him.

The next question we should ask ourselves is, “Will it put me in bondage?”

For this one we look at First Corinthians 6:12, "All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything." This is very similar to the question above with a slight difference: Any questionable action that can form habits should be avoided.

I often hear people say “smoking’s not mentioned in the bible.” They’re right, it’s not. And since we’ve already mentioned, technically we’re free, then what’s the big deal? Well, it forms a habit, an addiction, that can control you, that can be used as a way to tempt you to actual sin.

An extreme example is the way prostitutes are controlled by drugs. Their ‘employers’ get them strung out on drugs. The addiction is so strong they’ll do anything for their next fix. As I said, that is an extreme example, but the idea is very applicable to our lives. Have you ever seen a smoker when they can’t have a cigarette? Ephesians 4:26 comes to mind, “Be angry and yet do not sin.” Was the tobacco a sin? Technically, no. However, the addiction of nicotine opens the door for temptation. Anything you want/crave to any extreme can be used against you to draw you in to sin: Food, sports, relationships, money, even success at school (sorry parents, but its true).

Remember the rich young ruler in Mark 10? When he asked Jesus what he needed to do, Jesus told Him to sell everything and give it to the poor. Now, money is certainly not sinful. Abraham was wealthy, Job was extremely wealthy, as were David and Solomon. Proverbs is full of verses on how to gain and handle wealth. However, for this young man his money had such control over him that he was unwilling to give it up and follow Christ. He was in bondage, enslaved, by his money.

When making a choice that seems like a gray area, we should make sure it is not something that will enslave us and could then be used against us to tempt us to sin.

I know what you’re saying, “How will I know which is which? How do I know what will strengthen and what will tear down? How do I know what will enslave and what won’t?” That’s one of the great things about being in Christ. He didn't leave us alone. We in America often forget about the Holy Spirit. He’s the often overlooked and taken for granted 3rd part of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. John 14:26 says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”

The simple answers is: God will let you know. Remember, prayer is a conversation. We need to take the time to listen.

James 1:5 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” God doesn’t want us to walk around confused and in the dark. However, He doesn’t just do everything for us either. That’s why it’s called a relationship. Let’s be sure that we do what we can to stay in step with, and listen to, our Heavenly Father.