July 15, 2006, Vol.5, No.14.

Discerning Good and Evil

All speech and action falls into one of three categories. It is either required by the Lord (Matthew 28:20), sinful (1 John 3:4), or a matter of opinion. The baptism of alien sinners for the remission of sins is required (Acts 2:38). Keeping holy days religiously, such as remembering Christmas as the birthday of Christ, is sinful (Galatians 4:10-11). But what about keeping days as a matter of social custom? That’s a matter of opinion or liberty, something the Lord allows but does not require (Romans 14:5).

If the Scriptures provide authority for an act but do not command it as a duty, then it is a matter of opinion. Nothing is helpful that is not authorized by the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23). Nothing that God forbids is spiritually profitable (1 John 5:3).

Four New Testament passages instruct us how to determine what is spiritually most profitable in matters of opinion: Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 8:1-13; and 10:23-33. These passages teach us seven guidelines to determine what is the most profitable thing to do or say in matters of opinion.

We must not lead one who is weak to violate his conscience (Romans 14:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13; 10:25-33). I celebrate Christmas as a social holiday, but I do not invite someone to such festivities if he lets me know that this violates his conscience.

We must strive to do things that lead to peace and edification (Romans 14:19). If my celebrating Christmas as a social holiday led to disruption and lack of peace in the congregation, I would quit it.

One should not violate his own conscience (Romans 14:23). Those people who think it is wrong to celebrate Christmas socially should not do so.

We should try to please others rather than ourselves (Romans 15:1-3). I might be in favor of studying Daniel next in Bible class, but I should willingly defer to others who might strongly prefer a study of Acts.

We must not be enslaved to anything (1 Corinthians 6:12). Smoking is certainly an enslaving habit, and drinking coffee, tea, or cola drinks can become one. I must be able and willing to give up any habitual practice for the good of others.

We should do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Women Christians living in a predominantly Muslim society should cover their heads so they don’t cause people to speak evil of the way of Christ. Among Mormons, we should give up drinking coffee, tea, and cola drinks.

We should always seek the salvation of others (1 Corinthians 10:33). I may not like the way my neighbor keeps his yard, but I should try to get along with him as much as possible in hope of leading him to Christ.

We have the solemn duty to avoid sin (1 Corinthians 15:34). If we will learn, understand and apply the principles of this lesson we will know both how to distinguish between right and wrong and how to tell what is most helpful in the realm of opinion. We will be maturing as Christians. We will glorify God in our own lives and help lead others to salvation.