Ministers and other Christians often get questions asking what we as believers are allowed to do. These questions are so common that even the authors of the Bible addressed them.
Can I drink? Am I allowed to dance, wear pants, eat pork, or get tattoos?
These questions fall into a “grey area” of Christianity.
The Bible is very clear on some actions or behaviors. “Thou shall not steal, kill, or commit adultery.” (Exodus 20: 2-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21) but what about the things that aren’t specifically prohibited?
Grey areas.
Can I drink? Ephesians 5:18 says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.” Some people even argue, “Well the Bible doesn’t say beer or whiskey?”
You have a point but….
These types of questions led the ancient Israelites to create even more laws. Laws which prescribed exactly what they were and were not allowed to do. The Israelites had been banished from the Promised Land and enslaved because of their unrepentance, so because of this they were determined to keep the law so closely so the Lord would never judge them again.
The Bible says, “Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?
“Everything is permissible” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. No one should seek his own good, but the good of others” (1 Corinthians 10:22-24) Berean Study Bible
You can do these things but ask yourself should you? Ask God and yourself, what profit is there in doing them?
I did some further studying on this subject and found an article by Mike Riley (Of Central Baptist Theological Seminary) discussing “The 6-8-10 Principles” found in 1 Corinthians.
These principles guide the believer on how to know a right action from a wrong action, even when there aren’t any specific commands in the Bible. (See Below for the link to the article)
1. Is it helpful?
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1 Cor 6:12)
Is this action that I want to do helpful? Will it bring harm to me or others? Or will it draw me into sin?
2. Will it enslave me?
Will what I am about to do get me addicted? Like alcohol, cigarettes or drugs?
3. Will it cause others to stumble?
“And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something, they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. So, if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.” (1 Corinthians 8:12-13)
This verse isn’t only about food. If I am a Christian counselor working at an addiction center teaching others that addiction is harmful not only to the body but the soul and I am found at a bar drinking, what does this do to my witness?
Maybe I can handle the alcohol but it may cause others to say, maybe I can have just one drink?
4. Is this glorifying God?
“What ever you eat or drink, or whatsoever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Does what I am about to do bring glory to God? We are meant to live holy lives and praise God and bring Him all the glory.
Will it bring glory to God? Will it please God? Will this further God’s kingdom?
That my friend is why we are here on earth. To bring glory to God, please Him, worship Him and furthering His kingdom here on earth.
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