I know that my tendency is to claim absolutes on certain "gray" issues that I have either:
A) been firmly convicted of
or
B) are easy to apply to my life
Where I find myself resting in gray areas are those places where my flesh struggles to apply biblical truth and/or conviction. There are not really "gray" areas where God allows us to waiver and sit on the fence. There is no glory in professing that God does not care.
"But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." James 1: 6-8
He does however allow for liberty in making certain decisions that may differ from one christian to the next. (gasp)
Oh, does this ever challenge me! Especially in those areas that I mentioned above (A & B) because, come on! On those issues where we stand so firmly it is so obvious, right? How could someone not come to the exact same determination?
Thank you God for grace.
It has required daily humility and reverence for God...His ways...His revelation...His purpose, so that I do not diminish His sovereign ability to convict through both the Word and the Holy Spirit.
Notice His ability. He is able.
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us..." Ephesians 3:20
Piper has a wonderful sermon (as usual!) about being fully convinced, no matter what the issue. And have mercy there are some issues, aren't there?
Homeschool, television, alcohol, modesty.....the list is endless and different for everyone. Piper asks these three simple questions which make a very complex decision quite simple.
1.) Is it sinful?
2.) Is it honoring to Christ?
3.) Is it the best way I can think for me to act in this situation?
Then the hard part. Be convicted and convinced and honor Him in your decision.
Therefore, I do not say to you, “Lighten up.” Or, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Rather I say, “Stand in awe of the risen Christ who will get his glory from the living and from the dead and from the eaters and the abstainers and from the day-keepers and the non-day-keepers. Stand in awe of Jesus Christ. And whatever you do, whether you eat or whether you drink, do all to the glory of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31).John Piper
2 comments:
Kim, that's a good post. I struggle with certain areas and not trying to judge people and also not wanting others to judge me. Mainly music, movies, and alcohol. We really do have to be free to walk before the Lord but NOT to be stumbling blocks to others. Piper's three questions are good ones to ask in any "grey" situation. I do need to be reminded though, not to make black and white areas out to be grey areas.
I read the pulpit magazine article earlier in the week and really appreciate your 2 cents!! I'll have to check out that Piper sermon.
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