DEALING WITH GRAY AREAS

 

Although a lot of areas in life are black and white issues, there are some areas that aren't so clear cut.   They are gray areas.  For some people something might be okay and for others it might be wrong.  It is important to understand gray areas so that we don't become legalists.  On the other hand, it is also important to understand gray areas because we don't want to abuse our freedom or cause others people stumble because of what we do.   The first thing to understanding gray areas is understanding the difference between Biblical absolutes, personal convictions, and preferences.

 

Biblical Absolutes: Standards for right and wrong that are specifically stated in Scripture. Specific portions of the Bible deal with these issues directly. They are ALWAYS right or wrong for ALL PEOPLE at ALL TIMES in ALL SITUATIONS and ALL CULTURES. (These are black and white issues.)

Examples: Murder, Adultery, Stealing, Sex outside of marriage, Homosexuality, Getting Drunk…

Personal Convictions: Personal standards that are based on Biblical truths, principles, and values. The Bible doesn’t specifically address these things, but we can apply principles from the Bible to them. They are based on one’s understanding of God’s truth and may change over time, especially as one’s understanding of God’s Word changes. (These are gray areas.)

Examples: Smoking, Drinking, Movies, Dancing, Use of Money, Secular Music…

Preferences: These are a matter of personal taste and choice. They should be considered non-moral. They have no (legitimate) Scriptural basis and simply reflect the likes or dislikes of each person. (These are not black or white issues or gray areas.)

Examples: Style of music, favorite color…

 

Right for everyone

Sin for some

Sin for everyone
     

 

PRINCIPLES FOR GRAY AREAS:

  1. Black & White, Gray, or None of the Above: Is this REALLY a gray area, or is it a Biblical absolute, or just a preference?
  2. Personal Conviction: Based on rational, Biblical thinking, is this issue right or wrong for me? (This must be based on the Biblical values, not your own desires.) You must follow your conviction. (Rm. 14:14)
  3. Brotherly Concern: Consider your actions on the less mature Christian. Will their growth be hurt? Just because you CAN doesn’t mean you SHOULD. Consider who you influence! (Rm. 14:13-15)
  4. Ultimate Accountability: Keep in view your personal accountability to the Lord Jesus Christ at the Judgement Seat. Will there be embarrassment over this matter? (Rm. 14:12)
  5. Okay, Good, Better, and Best: What’s your choice?
  6. Brotherly Love: Don’t look down on others with different convictions about a gray area. (Rm. 14:3)

 

THE CONSCIENCE works as a SIN DETECTOR. It’s always a bad idea to blow off your conscience. However, some people have weak consciences that go off too easily. And many have callused consciences that don’t go off easily enough! Further, our consciences are PROGRAMMED by what we BELIEVE to be true. Therefore, we need to continue to have our consciences BETTER PROGRAMMED with the values of God’s Word, NOT our own desires or the values of those around us, whether sinners or legalists.

 

PASSAGES THAT DEAL WITH GRAY AREAS:

Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8, 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

 

written by Nate Archer