A common question that many new/young Christians have is… “Can I be a Christian and still do…?” some questions of “Christian liberty” can be answered easily, because the bible directly addresses these questions. For instance, if someone asks, “Is it OK, as a Christian be drunk?” The answer is clearly no. The bible says, “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). However, questions like, “Can I be a Christian and still drink alcoholic beverages?” or “Can I listen to any kind of music?” or “Can I go to any movie?” are not answered easily. They are among many gray areas of the Christian life that are/have a chapter and verse answer.
When we are in a situation that the bible does not directly address, you must consider whether or not your actions will please God.
1. Does This Activity Build Me Up Spiritually?
1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV)
"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive.
1 Corinthians 10:23 (NLT)
You say, "I am allowed to do anything"-but not everything is good for you. You say, "I am allowed to do anything"-but not everything is beneficial.
This verse tackles the issue of whether certain activities will be spiritually constructive in your life – even if it falls into a so called “gray” area. A more literal translation of that verse is “ALL THINGS ARE PERMISSIBLE, BUT NOT ALL THINGS PROMOTE GROWTH IN CHRISTIAN CHARACTER.” The next time you question whether you should be seeing a certain movie, participating in a specific activity or engaging in a certain habit, ask yourself the following questions:
a. Will this activity make the things of this world more appealing than the things of God?
b. Will it keep from prayer?
c. Will it diminish my hunger for God’ Word?
d. Will it spiritually tear me down by pulling me away from other Christian believers?
You do not have time for anything that would make this world more attractive, (they might give you…>>>) dull your desire for prayer, take away your appetite for bible study, or keep you from Christian fellowship. Instead, look for things that will benefit and build your Christian character.
2. Does This Activity Bring Me Under Its Power?
1 Corinthians 10:23 (MSG)
Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims.
Some have mistakenly assumed that following Christ means laboriously obeying a list of “DO’S” and “DON’TS.” In reality, the Christian life, if lived according to Scripture, is one of joy and satisfaction. This verse serves as a case in point. To follow the principle laid out here is not overly restricting but truly liberating!
Some people are controlled by pleasure. For example, they may live for a certain sports and become so fanatical about it that it turns into an obsession. Others may be hooked on soap operas, food or some particular habit that has them under its power. Yet, as a Christian, you should only want to be controlled by and under the power of Jesus Christ
We need to treasure our relationship with God – and the ensuing freedom from sin it has brought – that we jealously guard that relationship, wanting no thing or person to gets in its way. As the Psalmist prayed, we, too, should pray, [Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) | Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.]
3. Do I Have An Uneasy Conscience About His Activity?
Romans 14:23 (NLT)
But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.
When it comes to participating in questionable activities, it is easy to rationalize joining in because others are doing it. Yet this verse places the responsibility of your choice squarely on your shoulders. You may protest and say, “Well, so-and-so is doing it!” But you are not that person. You must be obedient to what God tells you to do.
How do you know when you should not participate in a certain activity? God’s Holy Spirit will often give you an uneasy conscience about something you should not be doing. For example, you may have sense that you are in the wrong place, with the wrong people, about to do the wrong thing. Or, you may have a lack of peace in your heart about an activity in which you are participating. When this happens, it is up to you to pay attention to your conscience and follow through by being obedient to God.
4. Could This Activity Cause Other Christians To Stumble In Their Faith?
Romans 14:13 (NLT)
So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.
Don’t do anything that will bring criticism against yourself, even if you know that a certain activity is all right. What we do and become has a direct effect on others – not only for our life here in this earth, but also for eternity. We not only need to live our lives conscious of God’s opinion, but we also need to live our lives with consideration for others. We do not want to do anything that has the potential of causing any Christian brother or sister to stumble or fall. Be sensitive to those around you. Don’t let your Christian witness be hindered by what you say or do.
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