When I was first saved, I remember being overwhelmed with how much of my life needed to change….I still feel that way at times! In some areas, I quickly put sin aside and completely changed my life. Other areas took years of stumbling forward in sanctification to change…and some I am still faceplanting forward on. One of the most problematic aspects of the Christian life for me was the areas with no specific command. I am a type A personality, or so I have been told. I like to be organized, have a plan, and execute it effectively. Thus, I was not a fan when this dreaded topic came into my life. I am talking about “gray areas.”
While there are many “gray areas” in the Christian life where we must simply follow biblical principles and our conscience, it can be daunting to try and discern where to “draw the line” in many areas of life. Rated-R movies, drinking alcohol, attending certain local events, the list goes on and on. How far is too far? How do we be wise, honor God, and yet not fall into the camp of anxiously overthinking or nonchalantly continuing in the “bliss” of ignorance?
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
Here, we have a clear precedent! We are not to be married to unbelievers…gotta love the black-and-white issues! But Paul continues down this trail and begins to ask questions that all have the same answer…none! Why is he continuing this questioning? Because he is going to lay some principles on top of this command that require a firm foundation first. He continues…
16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
Just as the Israelites were to separate themselves from the idolatry and sexual immorality that plagued the nations surrounding them, Christians today are commanded to separate themselves from the sinful practices of this world. This clarifies things because if we participate in or support the world in sinning, we now have a clear command to be safely distanced from that. As we approach areas that may not be explicitly sin, Paul concludes with this final statement.
1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
2 Corinthians 7:1
The Christian life is meant to be lived in the world, yet it is not meant to be lived like the world. We are like a boat on the ocean. The ocean will affect us as we continue on our path to heaven, but so long as the water stays out of the boat, we will stay safely afloat no matter what is happening around us. We were made to be a boat on the water, not under the water. Looking at the above verse, we have straightforward and easy-to-use questions in all areas of our lives we can ask to help discern what we do or do not do.
Will participating in this cleanse me of the things of this world, or will it defile and corrupt me physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually?
Will participating in this negatively, neutrally, or positively affect my growth in Christ? (*Neutral is okay and can be redeemed for the glory of God very easily*)
Can I honestly participate in this as if Jesus Christ was with me and approvingly participating as well? To fear God in all we do is to do all things for His glory and with a proper reverence for His holiness and majesty. Will I be acting in the fear of God if I participate in this, and if not, is there a way to approach it differently that would?
Remember, you can glorify God with every aspect of your life! So don’t be legalistic and restrain yourself from having yummy food, going to fun events, or watching your favorite show in a dogmatic way. Take everything through this filter and watch how you can redeem some things for God’s glory! I am constantly reminded of the fact that I can glorify God when I drink a cup of coffee. It boggles my mind, and I continue to attempt to grow, so this a reality…but it is nonetheless true. What area of your life are you feeling challenged to glorify God in?
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
May God bless your week as you seek His kingdom first!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Dan
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