When we face a decision that is between good and evil we know what we should do (although we may not always want to do it). Our challenge is how do we decide when the choice is not black or white but in the gray area of ambiguity? The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians gives us helpful advice in making decisions when the way is not clear.

The early church faced a number of ambiguous situations that required guidance from their leaders. One area was the question whether a believer should eat meat that was sacrificed to idols. Paul gave a theological perspective along with some principles to help us is decision making.

We don’t wrestle with the problem of eating meat sacrificed to idols, but we face a plethora of challenges that require us to make decisions. When we encounter situations in which there is not a clear cut answer, there are three questions that can guide us in our decision. As we consider a course of action, we must first ask, “Is this decision helpful to me?”

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12)

Paul had freedom, but he realized that not everything that he did was profitable – good can be the enemy of best. What are those areas in your life in which you’re free, but they are not beneficial to you? We can resort to escapist activities when we could be investing our time in that which will last for eternity. This is not to denigrate rest and recreation. A Greek proverb warns us, “You will break the bow, if you keep it bent.” We need times of refreshment. Each one of us have 168 hours a week – how will we make wise use of our time?

The next question we must ask ourselves is, “How does my decision affect others?”

Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble. (1 Corinthians 8:13)

Paul realized that he had freedom to eat meat that was sacrificed to idols, but if it would cause a weaker brother to stumble he would not partake of his freedom. Paul was willing to subjugate his freedom for the benefit of others. You may have freedom to do a certain activity, but you must consider the impact of your freedom on others.

Finally, we must consider the impact of our decision in God’s sight, “Does my decision bring glory to God?” Would you make that decision if Jesus were standing next to you?

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

May all that we do bring glory to God. Use these questions to guide you as you navigate the treacherous waters of ambiguity.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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