Navigating the Gray Areas with Scripture

By Jared Musgrove

More often than not you are presented with gray situations in ministry leadership: these aren’t black and white, but somewhere in between. They aren’t clear, but seem murky. Such situations in your own leadership and the lives of God’s people whom you shepherd require hokma (wisdom) to navigate.

Here is a short consideration of ten wisdom considerations from Scripture that can help you personally and pastorally traverse an ever-changing world with God’s unchanging principles. 

Would involvement in this activity be prohibited by one or more of the Ten Commandments or violate the law of love? 

Exodus 20:1-17

Deuteronomy 5:1-21

Matthew 22:34-40

Romans 13:8-10

Can I do this thing to the glory and honor of God? 

1 Corinthians 10:31

Can I ask God’s blessing on this activity or endeavor? 

Proverbs 10:22

Would this thing be a hindering weight? 

Hebrews 12:1 

Is it of the world, the flesh, or the enemy? 

1 John 2:15-17

Ephesians 4:27

Does it honor the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit? 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Has it the appearance of evil? 

1 Thessalonians 5:22

Will it be a stumbling block to others? 

Romans 14:13, 21

1 Corinthians 8:9-13

Can I do this in faith, without doubt? 

Romans 14:22-23

Would I want to be doing this when the Lord returns? 

1 John 2:28 

Dr. Jared Musgrove is Pastor for Leader Development and Groups at The Village Church in Flower Mound, TX.