Does everything either come from faith or is a sin, or is there a neutral zone?
I struggle with two verses that seems related, which are Romans 14:23 and 1 Corinthians 10:31. When I read those, it seems that every single thing in this world is one of those: - Come from faith (for the glory of God) - Is a sin (not for the glory of God) How do we have to interpret and apply those verses? Is there a "neutral/grey zone"? It seems to me that there are a lot of things I do that would fall in the grey zone. By this, I mean that some things I do are not done with the goal of glorifying God, but surely aren't meant to be against Him! Quick example (and I'd have a thousand more): when I play chess with my friend, I do it for me: not to glorify God, but obviously not against him! Is this a sin, since my decision to play chess (in this example) does not come from faith at all, and is not meant to glorify God? I know that my example looks a little trivial, but this helps me bring up the question: to which extent do we have to interpret and apply those verses? Thank you!
Romans 14:23
DARBY - 23 Mais celui qui hésite, s'il mange, est condamné, parce qu' il n'agit pas sur un principe de foi. Or tout ce qui n'est pas sur le principe de la foi est péché.
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Asked September 17 2013
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Samuel Bourassa
Supporter
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Justin Adams
Supporter
Samuel, this is an issue that seems to be confusing, but I think Paul is trying to clear this up int he very passages you quoted. Especially 1 Corinthians 10:31. He is simply stating that your end goal in every decision that you make, even the trivial ones, should be made for the glory of God. I know trivial parts of life seem as if it doesn't matter as to what the decision is, such as playing chess with a friend. If you make the decision to play chess with a friend to be a kind person who intends on showing kindness to a friend, then God will get glory from your kindness shown through you outpouring the love of Christ on that friend. If you plan on playing chess with a friend with ill intentions toward that friend by hustling them for money(I know it's an extreme example, but shows the point) then playing chess with a friend would be sin. God gave us a concience for a reason. He also gave us the Holy Spirit to guide us to truth John 16:13. I believe Paul is challenging us to think about the decisions we make, and make them towards the glory of God. Maybe God is leading you to spend more time thinking about what you look at as meanial as possibilities to glorify Him.
D W
Supporter
"13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this--not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way." That is at the heart of both of your references. Those of us who are born again walk by faith in the One who saved us. As an example of our "faith-walk" we do not want to deliberately offend others. If we are in a position which calls for an action or a response from us, we want to honor our Savior. Our actions and answers are based upon our faith. If I buy a used car and right after I drive it off the lot it stalls, do I go back and scream at the salesperson? Or do I reflect the love of God in resolving the situation? Does your friend invite you to play chess? Then by all means, play chess. If, however, he is blowing cigarette smoke in your face, or drinking alcohol, or inviting you to light up or drink, then by all means, don't play chess. If you go to a baseball or basketball or football game and someone sitting near you has a potty-mouth, politely ask them to refrain. If they don't, move (especially your family). Years ago I wore a bracelet, WWJD: "What Would Jesus Do?" Itr only took a split-second to look at the bracelet to remember who I am in Him. My "faith-walk" never failed to click in. Hope this helps. p.s. Remember who you are in Jesus ~ ~ Don't do or say things that put others in a questionable situation. Live and love your life in Him.
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