I work in the area of computers and at the lowest level is a binary digit, the smallest unit of information on a machine. A single bit can hold only one of two values: 0 or 1. It is either nothing or something. However, does this hold true to life? We can certainly find Bible verses about absolutes such as light or darkness, faith or unbelief, good or bad, truth or fiction, righteousness or sin and God or Satan. Yes, there are some things which good (“White”?) that we are to follow. However, we need to temper it with the sad fact that we are not yet in Heaven and that we will fall short.

The main problem with black-and-white thinking is that it sees all of life in terms of great extremes.  The two foundational words that characterise the vocabulary of black-and-white thinkers are “never” and “always”  See if any of the following statements resonate with you.

• I “always” get the short end of the stick!
• I “never” have time to enjoy life!
• People “always” let me down!
• You will “never” amount to anything in life!

The list is endless for these two polar opposite words.  They bring with them conflict and confusion, depression and disappointment or anxiety and anger. Yet in the reality of daily living, we see very little that is actually black or white.  Now, when it comes to the truths of Scripture as it relates to good and evil, yes, it is black or white.  Biblical absolutes are absolutely accurate and unfading.  But beyond the Scriptures, life is filled with widely varying shades of grey and liberty. The black-and-white thinker struggles to accept grey in their lives. Do you know why?

1. Control

They are driven by the need to control as much of life as possible.  Black-and-white thinking allows a measure of perceived control.

2. Comfort

They are driven by the need for comfort, and black-and-white thinking allows them to stay within their pre-determined zones of comfort.

3. Convenience

They are driven by the desire for convenience, and black-and-white thinking is convenient and far less complicated.

It is easier to maintain control of your life, comfort in your life, and convenience for your life when you view things simplistically as only black or white.  Do you remember taking tests in school and the teacher telling you, “If the answer has the words ‘always’ or ‘never’ in it it’s the wrong answer”?  Well, it’s the wrong answer in living the Christian life too!

The only cure for black-and-white thinking is the Gospel.  The Gospel frees us from the need for control, because we have surrendered control of our lives to Jesus.  The Gospel frees us from the need for comfort, because our comfort is Jesus, regardless of uncomfortable circumstances.  The Gospel frees us from the desire for convenience, because the lay-your-life-down-for-others mandate is what fuels the fire of our faith.  Learning to live in the gray areas of life is not easy, but it is necessary if we are going to live the life of love and service to which God has called us.

Categories: Apologetics