Should life be lived "grey" or "black and white"?

[redeemed4life]

When I say "grey" and "black and white" I mean that grey is a term to describe issues in the Bible that doesn't really give an answer to. Black and white refers to the issues that has a clear answer whether if its right or wrong. I've been told numerous times by other Christians that I live life too much black and white and not enough grey, and that I need to live life more grey. To me, that is like saying that I need to be more tolerant than intolerant. I feel strong conviction that if I live more of a grey life than a black and white life, I will comprimise my faith and dishonor Jesus. When I see truth in the Bible, I will stand by it, even if it costs me my job, reputation, or friendships. For example, homosexuality is a sin, and to say that Jesus would accept homosexuals, homosexuality is a gift from God, or that we need to support gay-marriage is false and a lie. How can you say this is a "grey" issue if God clearly says it is detestable in Romans 1? Another example, religious syncritism such as adopting yoga into Christianity and using it to worship God is also a sin. How can this be a "grey" area if God says in Deut. 12 & 18, to not partake in the practices of the other religions?

I fear that many Christians are more tolerant to issues like this than intolerant. Is it because we want to be accepted? To justify our sin? Wasn't the church in Thyatira in Rev. 2:18-29, more tolerant than God. What will happen to Christians when they are more tolerant than God?

If life is lived more "grey" than "black and white" I fear that many things Christians practice could be demonic and perhaps dangerous. They could very much not be cautious and aware of things that we should not associate ourselves with. We could produce churches that are led astray and are leading more and more Christians astray into false teachings. We could become so tolerant, that the world could not see a difference between us and them.

Thoughts?

 

[amadeus2]

When I say "grey" and "black and white" I mean that grey is a term to describe issues in the Bible that doesn't really give an answer to. Black and white refers to the issues that has a clear answer whether if its right or wrong. I've been told numerous times by other Christians that I live life too much black and white and not enough grey, and that I need to live life more grey. To me, that is like saying that I need to be more tolerant than intolerant. I feel strong conviction that if I live more of a grey life than a black and white life, I will comprimise my faith and dishonor Jesus.

The "grey" of which you speak is the "lukewarm" which God will spit out. We must, if we are to please God, move always toward the White, which is the "hot". "Black is nothing (the absence of light) while "grey" is a mixture of God's Truth (the White) with nothing. Walking in the "grey" (lukewarm) is straddling the fence. It is wanting the best of God and the best of we as corrupted men like in this world. God did create "very good" things in this world for men to enjoy, but if have changed their usage from the Way that God has prescribed, we have really missed the "highway of holiness".

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Rev 3:15-16

"No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Luke 16:13

Trying to walk the grey way is trying to serve God and mammon.

 

[spirit1st]

We Live under the new testament which started after our LORD died on the cross and rose again ! that begin the new covenant !
It still evil to be gay or to kill or to steal or many others things ! God hates sin ! But i will say the reasons we do things is more important than the things we do 1 Some things are without excuse !
Others He could have mercy on ? Like if we were dying from no water or food and took stole some ! He would have mercy !


Rom_1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Most of us know when we do evil !

 

[Fragrant Grace]

I fear that many Christians are more tolerant to issues like this than intolerant. Is it because we want to be accepted? To justify our sin? Wasn't the church in Thyatira in Rev. 2:18-29, more tolerant than God. What will happen to Christians when they are more tolerant than God?

If life is lived more "grey" than "black and white" I fear that many things Christians practice could be demonic and perhaps dangerous. They could very much not be cautious and aware of things that we should not associate ourselves with. We could produce churches that are led astray and are leading more and more Christians astray into false teachings. We could become so tolerant, that the world could not see a difference between us and them.

Thoughts?

Christianity these days seems to continually try to placate the world by watering down the truth, compromising and making 'sin' less serious
It has become a luxurious, self pleasing and fashionable religion that encompasses many abominations including homosexuality, gay marriage and new age practices like yoga.

The Word of the Lord is the only truth that Christians should live by
Beautiful truth, bound by His love for us at the cross

With Christians there should be no luke warm and grey areas.....

O Lord may we lift up our voices and stand for the truth found in Your word.....no compromise....no grey areas

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Ephesians 4:14

 

[Eric E Stahl]

[h=2]Matthew 5[/h] 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

If we live as salt and light the grey and black will flee from us.

 

[farout]

When I say "grey" and "black and white" I mean that grey is a term to describe issues in the Bible that doesn't really give an answer to. Black and white refers to the issues that has a clear answer whether if its right or wrong. I've been told numerous times by other Christians that I live life too much black and white and not enough grey, and that I need to live life more grey. To me, that is like saying that I need to be more tolerant than intolerant. I feel strong conviction that if I live more of a grey life than a black and white life, I will comprimise my faith and dishonor Jesus. When I see truth in the Bible, I will stand by it, even if it costs me my job, reputation, or friendships. For example, homosexuality is a sin, and to say that Jesus would accept homosexuals, homosexuality is a gift from God, or that we need to support gay-marriage is false and a lie. How can you say this is a "grey" issue if God clearly says it is detestable in Romans 1? Another example, religious syncritism such as adopting yoga into Christianity and using it to worship God is also a sin. How can this be a "grey" area if God says in Deut. 12 & 18, to not partake in the practices of the other religions?

I fear that many Christians are more tolerant to issues like this than intolerant. Is it because we want to be accepted? To justify our sin? Wasn't the church in Thyatira in Rev. 2:18-29, more tolerant than God. What will happen to Christians when they are more tolerant than God?

If life is lived more "grey" than "black and white" I fear that many things Christians practice could be demonic and perhaps dangerous. They could very much not be cautious and aware of things that we should not associate ourselves with. We could produce churches that are led astray and are leading more and more Christians astray into false teachings. We could become so tolerant, that the world could not see a difference between us and them.

Thoughts?

I can tell what is black and white. Grey is the middle area that liberal christians take because they want to be "tollerant" not "judge" or say "the Lord knows my heart" Some Christian's come in shades of grey. Then there is black that satan uses with grey to suck into a situation ethics situation, this makes things seem white but situation ethics is sorta like backing up in a car into wash backwards. Anything that makes you think you are going in the right direction but in reality you are headed for a cliff, and the edge is inches away. In the dark without some light you can't tell which of the three colors you are looing at.


Here a few grey areas. You have known you best friend from third grade. Times have been real hard and he finaly found work, after 18 months without a job, living off unemployment. The job is 45 miles away and he hasn't got a vehicle, his was taken back by the "buy here pay here" place, his credit was good until the job went to Mexico. He askes you to co-sign for him. "Please help me I promise I will pay the payments on time." For five months every thing is doing ok. The sixth month the bank calls for you to make the payment. The car broke down and he has had it, and he is leaving, no money to fix the car, and because he couldn't make it to word.....fired! See all the grey areas? The Bible tell us not to co-sign.

Some of us has had this happen with a child or so, right? We tend to rescue people because it feels like being a christian should help,,,,,right? Now the grey just turned black as coal


I encourage when faced with a grey area look at thw Word for some direction, pray, ask am I rescuing or helping! If after praying and searching the Word, think it over and pray some more. Satan wants to trap us into the grey trap. So is grey really black...coated in dust ? Someting to think about ?


farout

 

[Rev T.S.Perkins]

We should always strive for mark of the high calling in our lives , the down side is we are in a body with a nature against God that will not be shed till we leave this world for Gods kingdom ..It's no excuse for sin in our lives and living like the devil but when we stumble we know there is Grace and mercy that waits a contrite and repentant Heart before God .!!! We must hide Gods word in our Heart so as not to sin against Gods laws and plans for our lives always....Rev

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

Here a few grey areas. You have known you best friend from third grade. Times have been real hard and he finaly found work, after 18 months without a job, living off unemployment. The job is 45 miles away and he hasn't got a vehicle, his was taken back by the "buy here pay here" place, his credit was good until the job went to Mexico. He askes you to co-sign for him. "Please help me I promise I will pay the payments on time." For five months every thing is doing ok. The sixth month the bank calls for you to make the payment. The car broke down and he has had it, and he is leaving, no money to fix the car, and because he couldn't make it to word.....fired! See all the grey areas? The Bible tell us not to co-sign.

It sounds like love got hurt by being love.
I don't see any grey there brother just the usual testing that love endures.

God co-signed for us by providing a lamb before the foundation of the world and sure enough he had to pay himself.
So perhaps you were just doing what you see your father doing or is it a grey area,I guess that's your call.

1 Corinthians 9:20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.
1 Corinthians 9:21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.

If we follow Paul's lead we will be confronted by the choice between gray and grace.
The knowledge of good and evil will surely offer advice quickly and loudly.
Just don't forget to consult love:
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
1 Corinthians 13:5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
1 Corinthians 13:6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
1 Corinthians 13:7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 

[farout]

It sounds like love got hurt by being love.
I don't see any grey there brother just the usual testing that love endures.

God co-signed for us by providing a lamb before the foundation of the world and sure enough he had to pay himself.
So perhaps you were just doing what you see your father doing or is it a grey area,I guess that's your call.

1 Corinthians 9:20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.
1 Corinthians 9:21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.

If we follow Paul's lead we will be confronted by the choice between gray and grace.
The knowledge of good and evil will surely offer advice quickly and loudly.
Just don't forget to consult love:
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
1 Corinthians 13:5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
1 Corinthians 13:6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
1 Corinthians 13:7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Thiscrosshurts: "My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor, Have given a pledge for a stranger, If you have been snared with the words of your mouth," Proverbs 6:1.2. NASB "He who is guarantor for a stanger will surely suffer for it, But he who hates being a guarantor is secure." Proverbs 11:15 NASB. "A man lacking in sense pledges And becomes guarantor in the presence of is neighbor." Proverbs 17:18 NASB. "Do not be among those who give pledges, Among those who become guarantors for debts." Proverbs 22:26 NASB. Blessings


farout

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

Thiscrosshurts: "My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor, Have given a pledge for a stranger, If you have been snared with the words of your mouth," Proverbs 6:1.2. NASB "He who is guarantor for a stanger will surely suffer for it, But he who hates being a guarantor is secure." Proverbs 11:15NASB. "A man lacking in sense pledges And becomes guarantor in the presence of is neighbor." Proverbs 17:18NASB. "Do not be among those who give pledges, Among those who become guarantors for debts." Proverbs 22:26NASB. Blessings

I absolutely adore the book of proverbs,I consider it the cream of the cream of standard wisdom.
Yet our father in heaven did not seem to follow this advice and so the Spirit was speaking from experience.

He did all sorts of stuff that the Spirit recommend we don't do such as:
Ecclesiastes 7:16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?

Jesus did not follow this advice very well and obviously knew what the end result would be.
Would anyone in the church tell you to marry a prostitute?
God told Hosea to marry a prostitute.
Why,because God's covenant with Israel was like a man marrying an unfaithful spouse.
God told Peter to eat bugs and Peter answered "never Lord"(most translations have not so Lord).
It has been my experience that love hurts like a cross and in our journey from black to white we may have to cross some grey areas.

Proverbs is good advice but love seems to come with it's own good advice.

 

[rizen1]

The greys are usually trying to justify their own sin. It's rarely about the unsaved but more about them trying to make their grey lifestyle a new Christian identity.

Fellow members can we refrain from using such nonsense , worldly words as liberal. I see no difference between a liberal Christian or conservative. Conservatives would love to think that title give them some holier than thou privileges, but it doesn't. You're just placing yourself under a stereotype of a hateful, judgmental bunch. I rather be called a servant of God than conservative. Our alliance must always be God first, God driven never political or worldly association.

You should never have to wear a title or label for people to identify you as a child of God. Our fruits, lifestyle and the way we treat people different from us, identifies us. Liberal, conservative one represents acceptance the other hate.


If my friend loses his/ her job I offer charity. I've housed friends as they sort their lives and find a new place, never considered it a grey area. We are a confused bunch, we tell women do not have abortions yet never open our doors to these women or children. Is it because it's one of those grey areas ?


Leviticus 25:35-37

“If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit.


Luke 6:34-38

And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”


Luke 6:34-35

And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

Matthew 5:42

Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Proverbs 19:17

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.