Making the Right Choice on the "Gray" Areas of Morality

    In Galatians 5, we know that Christ has set us free. There is a warning though in verse 13 :

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature..."

-Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

   Some acts of sin are easily identifiable :

"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." 

-Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)

   In some cases though, it may not be straightforward. Here are some examples :
 

Can I drink alcoholic beverages?

Should I watch an R-rated movie or this TV show?

Can I listen to secular music?

Can I go into a casino to gamble?

Should I leave and divorce my cheating spouse?

Should Christians smoke?

 

  I've heard both sides of the arguments. Some think that all these acts lead to sin and should not be present in any Christian life. Some say it is permissible.  These are the gray areas of morality and ethics that we often deal with in daily life. How can we decide? I've found this blog post to be a very helpful guide. It demonstrates that indeed the Bible is powerful, effective, and able to train us into righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).


Link to blog post : 

Eight Questions to Ask in Making a Moral Decision in the Category of Liberty