7 Questions For Navigating Gray Areas

Jan 2

When There Isn’t A Verse Telling You What To Do

Sometimes we face difficult decisions that don’t have clear-cut answers. Those "gray" areas when the Bible doesn’t specifically say do this—or don’t do that. How can we know the right thing to do?

Gray Areas Everywhere
Let’s say a couple of friends invite you out to Keeneland this Spring. You don’t know the first thing about horse racing, but a fun day with your buds and an opportunity to dress up…you’re in!

As you get there, some of your friends are drinking, and they offer you, “Want one?”

What do you do? Is it ok to drink? I know I shouldn’t get drunk, but it’s ok to drink moderately. It’s legal. I know my limits. But some of them aren’t Christians, what will they think? Jesus did change water into wine though.

You don’t know what to do so you just say, “Nah, I’m good, I’ll have a water”

A few minutes later, everyone’s going to place their bets on the next race. You’re still reeling from learning what a furlong is, you’re not ready for trifectas and win-place-show. Your bold strategy was built on the color of the jockey’s silks and if the horse’s name was funny. But is it wrong to gamble? Is it a sin? It’s only $5, not $1000. Is there a verse about horse racing in the Bible? WWJD?

Man, a day at the races, quickly became a pop quiz on moral decisions.

Here’s some other examples you might face:

Is it ok to spend money on luxury items?
Should I go out to the bars with friends?
Is it ok to gamble at a casino or buy a lottery ticket?
What about entertainment (movies, music, etc) with explicit or questionable content?
Should I post that?
Should I attend a wedding that I think is not God-honoring?
Is it ok to spend extravagantly when it’s on the company’s dime?
What about what I wear, what I eat and drink, or how I spend my free time?

If you find yourself answering “it depends” for many of those, that’s not a bad thing. Moral gray areas have always existed. Modern issues and new technology certainly provide unique gray areas, but Christians have always needed wisdom and discernment.

Some would say, "If the Bible doesn't address it, do what you want, you're free in Christ!" Others get hung up on legalism and make Christianity all about following rules.

Developing Discernment
The truth is the Bible won’t list every possible decision you'll face in life, it does however, give us clear principles to live by. Asking these questions (and others like them) will help you make a wise decision.

1. Will it benefit me?
“Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial” 1 Corinthians 10:23. You’re allowed to do lots of things, but that doesn’t mean everything is good for you. Preferably, you want to spend your time doing something beneficial. So start by asking if this is useful, helpful, or to your advantage. The biblical word for this is “edify” which takes it a step further and adds “Will this build me up spiritually? Will it cultivate godliness?”

2. Could it harm my body?
Don't do anything that you know will harm your body — it’s the only instrument you have to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are His temple. We are not our own. So, is this activity promoting good health, avoiding unnecessary injury, and keeping me sober minded? Often this comes down to moderation and wisdom. Here’s the principle: Use your body in ways that reflect your desire to honor Jesus.

3. Could it have negative long-term consequences?
“All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything” 1 Corinthians 6:12. Paul is saying “Your freedom to do certain things may turn around and bring bondage!” If what you’re considering can be addictive or habit-forming, why pursue it? Don't allow yourself to be mastered by anything.

Could the way I use my money bring me under the bondage of greed or pride?

Could the images I see in movies and TV shows tempt me to lust or covet? Will this worsen my anxiety, or help it? You may say, “no, I’ll be fine”, but sin, by its very nature “crouches”, making itself seem small and manageable, but in reality it wants to devour you. (Genesis 4:7)

4. Is it loving towards others?
In other words, could this cause someone else to stumble? (Rom. 14:20; 1 Cor. 8:9–13) If you know that your choice — even something you consider "in bounds" or “allowed” — causes someone to stumble, you should be willing to sacrifice that freedom. That’s never popular in our self-absorbed society, but it is biblical. “Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to stumble." 1 Corinthians 8:13.

5. What did Jesus say when you asked Him?
I word this question intentionally because it’s different from the classic WWJD (though I loved those 90’s wristbands!). When we try to guess what would Jesus do it leaves us to decide — why not just ask Him?

Talking about it with God reminds us it’s about relationship, not a detached list of do’s and don’ts and it challenges us to “can I honestly do this with a clean conscience?”

1 Corinthians 10:25-29 contains three references to abstaining from a certain practice "for conscience' sake." Basically, if your conscience is troubled by what you’re considering, don't do it (check out Romans 14:23 and James 4:17). That’s part of the Holy Spirit’s role in your life. It’s hard to overstate the value of a clean conscience, but it’s worth it to not hinder your relationship with God.

6. Will it help further the gospel?
“I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.” 1 Corinthians 10:33 We must think of the effect any practice might have on our testimony to the lost. What does your life say about God?

Whether you are aware of it, your behavior affects your witness and you never know who may be watching. Could our pursuit to be relatable unknowingly be causing unbelievers to see nothing different in a Christian? (1 Peter 3:15-17)

7. Will this help me honor God?
1 Corinthians 10:31 summarizes all these principles by saying, "Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." So whatever we do, our goal should be to glorify God with our lives. So ask yourself — “Will He be glorified, honored, and praised through it? Will this cultivate godliness? Will this better prepare me for every good work?” May we say along with Jesus, "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do." John 17:4.

Bottom line, God’s Word is meant to be a lamp to our feet — the basis for our decisions. It’s not always going to tell you exactly what to do, but its truths will illuminate challenging decisions and guide you through.

God has given you community around you, both your peers and those further down the road, to talk through these situations with. God wants us to obey His commands in the black and white areas and to seek His wisdom in the gray areas.

So what decisions are you facing? Run them through the questions above, enjoy your freedom in Christ, and do what will help you love others best!