History has proven that there is nothing more challenging to the church than what we refer to as the “gray” areas of scripture. What does that mean? Gray areas are things that the scripture does not specifically address.
In contrast, we refer to the areas in scripture that are clear as the “black and white” areas. An example of a black and white issue would be something like Exodus 20:15,
You shall not steal.
The church can very easily defend their stance on theft. It’s black and white. Gray areas are much more difficult and the disagreements that emerge from gray areas have often split or destroyed churches.
An example of a gray area is television. You say, television? Yes. There is not one mention of television in the Bible. Since there is no mention of television in the Bible, we have to determine whether or not it’s ok to watch television based, not on specific scripture, because there is none, but rather, based upon Biblical principles.
Most of us have drawn the conclusion, based on Biblical principles, that some television is permissible for followers of Christ and some should be forbidden. I’m not going to make that particular case in this article; I just needed a gray area example.
What I want to discuss is Biblical principles that can help us navigate the gray areas. You can do this easily by asking a set of questions that I’ll provide.
First, ask the question, DO I NEED IT? Hebrews 12:1 says,
…let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us…
The principle: Don’t do anything that makes it harder for me to live for Christ, especially sin.
Second, ask the question, IS IT USEFUL? I Corinthians 6:12 says,
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.
The principle: Just because I can, doesn’t mean I should.
Third, ask the question, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? I John 2:6 says,
the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.
The principle: If Jesus wouldn’t take part, neither should I.
Fourth, ask the question, WHO WILL PEOPLE SEE – JESUS OR ME? Colossians 4:5 says,
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
The principle: Evangelism should be on your mind when around those who don’t know Christ.
Fifth, ask the question, IS IT GOOD FOR ME? 1 Corinthians 10:23 says,
All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.
The principle: Just because I can, doesn’t mean it’s wise.
Sixth, ask the question, DOES IT GLORIFY GOD? 1 Corinthians 10:31 says,
…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
The principle: If it does not bring God glory, don’t do it.
Seventh, ask the question, DOES IT CREATE A STUMBLING BLOCK? Romans 14:13 says,
Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.
The principle: If it may be harmful to my brother, don’t do it.
All of these principles can be expounded upon and developed further in sermons and series of sermons, but for this Sunday, we will expound upon the seventh principle and apply it to a major gray area that is upon us, threatening to do the devil’s work of dividing the church.
It is my prayer that we will look within our hearts and determine to not allow Satan victory over the church in Wellington.
I love you all very much. I hope you know that, and if you don’t, I hope you’ll allow me to prove it.
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
