I have recently finished two “Ask Anything” Q&A sessions that have opened my eyes to a lot of the current questions and issues that high school students struggle with. A lot of the questions enter areas that are shaded gray–the Bible doesn’t have a direct answer, people have divided opinions, and there are some tough circumstances that make giving a pat answer difficult. Culture tends to answer gray areas by providing these questions:
- Is it legal?
- What are the chances of being caught?
- How do you feel?
The sad part is that many of these questions don’t help people make long-term decisions that they later won’t regret, and more importantly the choices we make just don’t impact the individual but everyone around us. Divorce doesn’t just impact one person, it hurts a family. Porn doesn’t impact a person, it hurts future intimacy. Going into debt doesn’t just affect you, it it impacts the entire economy (just ask neighbors who live in areas with a lot of foreclosures and bank-owned homes).
Instead of using culture’s questions, we should ask this one instead (thanks, Andy Stanley):
In light of my past experiences, current responsibilities, and future hopes and dreams–what is the wise thing to do?
I preached this weekend on John 1:35-51, and the big idea was that the difference between a significant and mediocre life is how we respond to God-given opportunity. When we use Andy’s phrase to live our life, then we can begin tackling the shades of gray that exist. Should I go to that college? Should I date that person? How far is too far? Should I buy that car? Should I switch to that job?
The answer is always found in asking this simple question–what is the wise thing to do?
To see where this comes from in the Bible, check out Ephesians 5:15-17.
Collin Outerbridge is one of the pastors of Vista Church in Orlando, FL. He provides oversight to local and global mission, student ministries, and MissionCity-Vista’s Church Planting Initiative. For more information, check out www.vistachurch.com or www.collinouterbridge.org
