7:20 AM
I feel that so many disclaimers are in order before this post, so hopefully this one will summarize: actions always have consequences -- sometimes far-reaching and life-scarring repercussions.
"Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good." (Titus 1:15-16, NLT)
We Christ-followers are messed up sometimes. When we want to justify something we prefer to do, we will hunt down Scriptures or traditions which support our position, claim we're in the right, and move along, still fighting with our consciences. Often we prefer to live in our messed-up fashion, and rather than seeking God, we seek to plug a bit of God into our lives the best way we can, with little or no adjustment on our part.
The thing that brought this to mind is a discussion I had with a friend not long ago about a topic I'd agreed with myself to never post here (an agreement I'm now breaking) -- drinking alcohol.
Whatever your position on this, however you read the Scriptures, I find it interesting that most often (but definitely not all the time) when I've heard the topic debated, Christ-followers are looking for justification for one thing they prefer to do. If we were to take this one action as the definitive, banner issue for how not to sin when following Christ, that would be one thing. However, finding justification or absolution for any single issue is, I believe, to miss the point of our existence.
For the proponent of alcohol consumption: is this beneficial to your walk with Christ? Is it destructive?
For the opponent of alcohol consumption: is another person's action or sin on this issue a stumbling block for you? Or does it just annoy you?
How does this apply to gambling? dancing? I ask this because these three things (drinking, gambling, and dancing) are sometimes off-limits for discussion and are technically off-limits for practice in many church organizations.
How does it apply to other "smaller" things, like driving the speed limit? eating too much chocolate? wearing a bikini? being angry at someone's inconsiderate behavior? Are these things that we rationalize?
My point: if our walk with Christ is in a shambles otherwise, of how much worth is finding justification in the Scriptures for any one action? I daresay it may not even be good for relieving personal guilt (which is often the reason we hunt for rationalization).
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Manga, anyone?
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[image: Serious Post Ahead warning sign]
Not my usual post, thought it needed a warning!
I was in Barnes & Noble the other day, and noticed something that ...
6 comments:
I think the key here, as with all matters of right and wrong, is the intent of one's heart.
For example, cocaine. Most Christians would agree that using cocaine is just plain wrong. However, most people at one point in their lives have used cocaine. If any one has ever visited the dentist or had surgery a form of cocaine was used to releive or prevent pain. If cociane is the real issue here, then clearly a majority of Christains should rally to say they will have that next root canal drug free or that next surgery without any anesthetic. Cocaine in of itself is not evil, but rather the users intent is what determines whether an action is evil or benevolent.
When we are aware of our actions and more importantly what is motivating those actions, determines whether something is moral or immoral.
As for using the scriptures to justify a particular thing or activity this is really why understanding the biblical concept of "Truth" and "Love" is vital to being a genuine Christians. When ever you use Love as your moral measuring stick you can quickly determine if someone is applying the truth of scripture to their lives or are they simply looking for a loophole to justify their unloving (immoral) behavior.
Good post Dean! Good comment Preston! Not much left for me to say. :)
It's always been a pet peeve of mine (oops, sorry Dean) when people pick something as a "sin benchmark" but obviously overlook the "smaller, non-important" sins. Ahh, but what may be sin to some isn't a sin to others. The heart's desire and intent, key words, I believe, in many aspects of a Chrisitans life.
Ok, I said something but I don't think it is really relative. Just wanted to see my name in lights.
LEROY,
That's corny, but nicely disguised, I suppose. :)
I think the cocaine anaolgy in Preston's comment is a very good one. In his comment he covered a major part of what I'm talking about in the post but did not write.
(I wrestle with that, by the way. My posts are long enough when I hit "Publish," but there's ususally a lot more I want to add.)
Dean - if your post are too long then I REALLY have issues over at my blog! I felt guilty on so many occasions that I have published a book or a college essay. This also applies for comments left on other folks blogs as well! :)
Great post! I don't really feel the need to elaborate since we've already discussed it before, but I think you did a great job explaining and getting a great point across! I also credit you for how well you did so then and now.
okay, somehow, I was logged in as my husband, even though I entered my email...weird!! However, it is definitely not Josh! :)
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