By Tim

First of all, I understand the point being made but not entirely sure I completely agree. You can certainly have a gospel impact and abstain from those grey areas, which I know you would agree with and definitely are not implying can’t be done, but I still feel needs to be said. Much needs to be considered also, other than purely gospel or “missional” impact when referring to being a cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, dancing, swearing Christian who loves others etc. We are also called to be careful with how we treat our bodies as well and the whole concept of being above reproach is certainly something to be considered in this discussion. Part of holy living also involves not allowing any unwholesome or filthy language from our mouths that may potentially hinder the “missional” or gospel impact we are desiring to have. Am I implying that each of those things mentioned in the above statement is wrong, well, I suppose it depends on the “lens” we are viewing the situation. There is danger in both a legalistic lifestyle, which is spelled out in the epistles clearly, but there is also a danger in justifying actions under the guise of becoming all things to all people, and again, I know that is not what is being said but for the sake of discussion I do feel needs to be reiterated. It has been said that Christianity in the “traditional” standpoint has strived to much to be distinct from culture that they completely ostracize or paganize every action or motive possible. Obviously, the extremes exist in any category if you so choose to categorize, however, I think we are called to be distinct from culture. That doesn’t mean we don’t love our neighbors or interact with them and seek to impact them with the gospel and it no way should hinder our ability to do that. Anyway, just some food for thought, perhaps a view less taken these days within my particular age range.