Grey Zone Decisions

We as Christians have the bible as the "user’s manual" for our lives, but there is that "Grey zone" where the Bible doesn’t clearly draw a line, where it doesn’t say much about. In questions like:" Should I smoke? "Should I consume alcohol?" "Should I go to the disco?" and numerous other as such you won’t find in the Bible clear statements like "thou shall not smoke" or "thou shall not drink alcohol" or "thou shall not go to the disco." Nevertheless we wonder and in the process of making our convictions about whether an action is something we should embrace or not, having some guidelines is helpful.

Each situation and question is different and in order to differentiate easier it is good to pass your inquiry trough some questions that will help you clarify the issue, and consequently, lead you to making the right decision.

The next 10 questions, the "Grey zone questions" will shed light over basically all sorts of queries. Right, so let’s see them!

1.Is it useful?

" ‘Everything is permissible for me’ - but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me-but I will not be mastered by anything." 1 Corinthians 6:12

The verse cited above, embodies a very important principle, namely, the principle of efficiency: Does it make me spiritually stronger (closer to God) or does it bring me lower spiritually speaking. Will the action the choice you are about to make have a positive effect on the spiritual scale? If it doesn’t, then you can stop right here without further questioning.

2. Is it constructive? Will it contribute to my spiritual growth?

"’Everything is permissible’—but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is constructive." 1 Corinthians 10:23
The principle extracted from this verse is that of edification. We can’t expect a house to be built when the constructors are not adding up the necessary layers of bricks; what’s more, the constructors might even steal the existing bricks and that is not constructive at all for that house. It is the same with our inner being.

3. Will it slow me down in my race to Heaven?

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. "Hebrews 12:1

4. Will it produce dependence?

Will I became a slave of it? Remember that God wants you to be free of anything that can hinder you and eventually pushes you down.

5. Can it be used to cover sin respectively to mask the sin in my life?

" Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. "1 Peter 2:16

6. Does it hinder Jesus’ lordship over my life?

" …make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Romans 14:13,19

7. Will it be a good example for the other believers? We are to be lights in the world trough personal example.

8. Will it lead others to Christ? We were sent in the world to take the Gospel to every creature!

9. Is it the example of Jesus Christ? In other words, did Jesus Christ practice it?
"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6

10. Does it honor God?
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

So whichever our "Grey zone" question might be, we have to keep in mind that if we are indeed born again Christians, we do have citizenship in Heaven and that is our first allegiance is The Lamb, Jesus Christ our Lord. That is why, trough our words, attitudes or deeds, it is Him that we should be focused on.

The Grey zone questions might be difficult at times, but keeping an open eye at the possible consequences will give you a pretty good idea as to promote a certain behavior in your life or not.