2 Criteria For Lifestyles NOT Mentioned in Scripture

Some things are black and white in the Scriptures but what about the things that are not directly forbidden or even mentioned? What then? Is it a sin to smoke, drink or dance? How about watching a rated-R movie, listening to Lady Gaga or joining the FACEBOOK cult? I cannot be dogmatic about these things because the Scriptures make no mention of them. There is, however, a criteria For All Believers to apply in these areas: 1) Is it profitable (for my Spiritual growth) and 2) Will I allow myself to be enslaved to it. Insert your favorite past time and see if it passes the test. So FaceBook is not necessarily a sin or forbidden in Scripture, but it can be of zero value to your Spiritual life or it can be enslaving. That is between you and God and the Holy Spirit will convict you of the truth, I am sure.

When Paul addressed the Corinthians, keep in mind that he was talking to perhaps the worst of the worst Churches in all of history. These guys and gals were all busted and disgusted (my paraphrase) Spiritually speaking and they thought they could go on living in their fleshly mindsets. They failed to see the internal collateral damage within the Body caused by their Carnality; namely, divisions, lawsuits and loss of rewards just to name a few.

Paul gave a clear warning in verses 9-10: whoever does the 10 things listed "will not inherit the kingdom of God." Once again, he is addressing Saints/people who are heaven bound and set apart for all eternity. But wait a minute! How can someone be heaven bound and feel threatened by missing out on inheritance? Note: Believers who practice unrighteous living will not inherit the kingdom of God. They may enter it, but inheritance will not be available. There is no contradiction here, just a difference between entering and inheriting. If you equate the two, you have a contradiction. Since they're different, treat them different.

And now back to the non-listed things we may love to do, but are not sure if its sin (i.e. watch TV, listen to our iPod, smoke, drink, chew, go with the girls who do... and at the top of the list of the worst of the worst sins...dance :) What if you like to do those things, but feel convicted because your Aunt Emma or Grandma Gertrude tells you its a sin? Go back to the Scriptures! To each their own. Try the criteria mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:12 and see if what you do passes the test. Be honest and open and the peace of God which surpasses your understanding may come upon you.