Handling doubtful things

 These are issues that cannot be readily placed into the definite categories of things to do or things not to do. They are doubtful things. Such issues are usually presented by questions like, “Is a Christian supposed to do this or that?” It is always wise to approach such questions by opening the scriptures first and search for definite answers. If we do not find definite answers then we must resort to the elimination method of solving doubtful issues. J.Oswald Chambers gave us some eliminating questions you can use to solve many problems concerning doubtful things.
Firstly, ask yourself whether doing that thing will bring glory to God or not. First Corinthians chapter 10 verse 31 reads, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Since the chief aim of a believer is to glorify God in all things, it follows then that the first thing to do when faced with a doubtful thing is to find out if it gives glory to God. If the suggested course of action does not bring glory to God, then it is best to lay it aside.
Secondly, address the question of profitability. Find out if taking the proposed course will help you in your Christian life, your witness and your service. In considering this factor you must be guided by 1 Corinthians 10:23 which says, “I am allowed to do anything but not everything is good. I am allowed to do anything but not everything is beneficial.” Check to see if the thing you want to do will make your life more profitable to God and humankind.
Thirdly, ask yourself if that thing edifies or builds you up in your Christian character and if it also helps to build up the church of God. In this regard you must be guided by 2 Corinthians 10:8 which reads, “For edification, and not for your destruction.”  If God’s supreme interest is centred on the upbuilding of His church then you will do well to share His concern.
Fourthly, consider the question of enslavement.  If the thing will enslave you, master you or make you addicted to it, then be sure to leave it. 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, “And even though I am allowed to do anything, I must not become a slave to anything.” There are things that are good and lawful in themselves, but if they tend to enslave you they are better left out.  For example, if secular reading so enslaves you that you neglect Bible reading which is more important, then you must exercise strict self-discipline and give more attention to sacred reading.
Fifthly, ask yourself, “Will this thing that I want to do strengthen me against temptation?” It is foolhardy, if on one hand you pray that the Lord may not lead you into temptation and on the other hand you voluntarily go where you will be exposed to temptation.  Learn to shun any place or practice that tends to palliate sin or make sin seem less sinful.
Sixthly, the final question concerns finding out if the thing proposed is a characteristic of the world or of the heavenly Father. I John 2:16 guides us, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” If the proposed course of action is more characteristic of the world, your course is clear for “if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). Our affection should be towards God and not on the world and the things that are in the world.
Taking all these factors into consideration before taking a doubtful proposed course of action will cause you to avoid pitfalls in your Christian walk.
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