Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should

We hear many questions asked over and over again about what we “can” or “can’t” do as Christians. But here’s the thing, that’s not what we need to be asking. As we strive to follow Christ while living in this damaged world, every situation we find ourselves in must be looked at and evaluated. Not against our own warped sense of can and cannot, but against the perfect examples set for us by Jesus.

There are situations that we find ourselves in that may seem harmless to the world’s judgement. But when we think about the influence we have on others as Christians and the instructions given to us in the Bible, the things that the world says we “can” do suddenly don’t seem so harmless.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ NLT)

We can’t help being seen. People are always looking at us as Christians either for encouragement or waiting for us to mess up. We have a tremendous amount of influence that can either further the gospel or turn people away. When we use our own human judgement, block out God’s opinion and decide something sinful is okay, it’s like giving fuel to the non believers. People outside the church notice when we behave like they do while calling ourselves by the name of Christ.

“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”
(‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ NLT)

At the same time our Christian brothers and sisters can see poor choices made and cause them to stumble.

“…Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.” (‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬ NLT)

So next time you think, “can I do this?” or “can I get away with it?” about something not spiritually sound think about the cost of your actions. Not only for yourself, but the ones influenced around you.  

“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck.” (‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭42‬ NLT)