what can christian not do

2 min read 26-12-2024

What Christians Cannot Do: A Look at Biblical Restrictions and Personal Choices

The question of what Christians "cannot do" is complex. It's not a simple list of forbidden actions, but rather a journey of understanding God's will, discerning right from wrong, and living a life guided by love and faith. This exploration focuses on biblical teachings and their application in modern life, acknowledging the diverse interpretations within Christianity.

Understanding Biblical Restrictions

The Bible, while offering grace and forgiveness, also presents guidelines for living a life pleasing to God. These aren't arbitrary rules, but rather principles intended to guide believers toward a life of love, righteousness, and holiness. Some key areas include:

1. Actions Contrary to God's Character:

Idolatry: The Bible strongly condemns worshiping anything other than God. This includes placing excessive importance on material possessions, power, or even oneself. (Exodus 20:3-6)
Unrepentant Sin: While grace covers past sins through repentance, persistent, unconfessed sin hinders a close relationship with God. (1 John 1:9)
Intentional Dishonesty: Lying, cheating, stealing, and other forms of deception go against God's nature of truthfulness and integrity. (Proverbs 12:22)
Hatred and Unforgiveness: Holding onto bitterness and resentment contradicts the love God commands us to show to others. (Matthew 5:44)
Sexual Immorality: The Bible sets clear boundaries regarding sexual behavior, emphasizing fidelity within marriage and abstinence outside of it. (1 Corinthians 6:18)

2. Actions that Harm Others:

Violence and Murder: The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" is a fundamental principle. This includes physical violence, but also actions that indirectly harm or endanger others. (Exodus 20:13)
Gossip and Slander: Spreading false or harmful information about others is a serious offense that damages relationships and reputations. (Proverbs 11:13)
Oppression and Injustice: Christians are called to fight for justice and defend the vulnerable, opposing systems and actions that exploit or harm others. (Isaiah 1:17)
Covetousness: Desiring what belongs to others breeds discontentment and can lead to harmful actions. (Exodus 20:17)

3. Areas of Personal Discernment:

Many actions aren't explicitly forbidden in the Bible, yet require careful consideration based on biblical principles and individual conscience. This includes areas like:

Entertainment: Christians need to discern whether movies, music, games, or other forms of entertainment align with biblical values or promote harmful behaviors.
Relationships: Choosing friends and romantic partners who encourage spiritual growth and positive living is crucial.
Lifestyle Choices: Decisions about work, finances, and social involvement should reflect a commitment to God's will and a desire to serve others.

Balancing Freedom and Responsibility

It's important to remember that Christianity isn't a list of "dos" and "don'ts," but a relationship with God based on love and obedience. The freedom we have in Christ is not license to do whatever we want, but rather the empowerment to live a life that glorifies God. Discerning what we can and cannot do involves:

Prayerful Reflection: Seeking God's guidance through prayer and studying the Bible is crucial for making wise choices.
Community Accountability: Sharing life with fellow believers provides support, encouragement, and guidance.
Following Our Conscience: Our conscience, informed by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, is an important guide in navigating difficult decisions.

Ultimately, the question of what Christians cannot do is answered not just through a list of rules, but through a life lived in loving obedience to God. It is a continuous process of growth, learning, and striving to live a life that reflects the love and grace of Jesus Christ.