LOT'S OF VOICES -- But who are we to believe?

One of the problems a Christian faces in any age is the issue of error. Not just erroneous or false teachings, but wrong practices.

Having grown up in the Southern Baptist church, we had a veritable list - I'm tempted to call it a litany - of prohibited practices. I'm sure you've heard the ditty: I don't smoke, I don't chew; and I don't go with girls who do! Well, that's Southern Baptist to the core.

Now, there are a lot of very good reasons  to avoid tobacco. And it's certainly a good practice to instill in our children. Parents are responsible for the teaching of their children, after all. But really: what's the theological signicance of tobacco? Or alcohol? Or movies?

Truthfully -- none.

The Bible does not speak specifically about any of these topics. An argument could be made (and has) that since tobacco use and theaters did not exist in Jesus' day, then it's a moot issue. Alternately, some have said that anything that is physically or morally questionable should be avoided.

Both are valid points. And both - in this context - are wrong.
Almighty God knew the issues that would face believers in every age, but instead of issuing specific rules in each case (which would likely double the size of the Bible itself), He chose to provide a touchstone.

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17

God does not place the responsibility on any group or congregation to proscribe activities. He places it on the individual. An individual who is to remain in close enough fellowship with God to follow His leading.

I don't smoke, chew, dance or watch movies rated R or worse. But that's the prohibition God the Holy Spirit has placed on me. Some do smoke; I encourage them to quit, for the sake of their health. But it would be utterly wrong - even Scriptually wrong - for me to insist they do in God's name. Which is using God's name in vain. And a prophet (or any other teacher) who tells people "God said", when God has not said, has more problems than health issues facing them!

We are inundated by lots of messages today, and social media has increased the volume almost beyond comprehension. But the same guideline exists as it was expressed to the first century Church:

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

Not your church; nor your relatives, cyber friends or other teachers. What does God tell YOU?
And once you know it, it's your responsibility to obey.