Gray Areas 10

Austin Gardner • September 12, 2023


Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.


We are to walk in love. We are not to do things that would hurt our brother. So, if you eat meat and that grieves your brother, you fail in your walk of love. Don't destroy or hurt your brother by the use of your liberty.



It could be all right to do what you are doing. Paul didn't see a problem, but I should use discretion even though I have liberty and every right to eat that meat. Why would I want to hurt my brother?


Maybe it would be better to eat the meat, purchase it, and talk about eating it when I wasn't around this brother that I know will be hurt.


We need some discretion. We need to love enough to limit ourselves around others. Show some restraint.


Every parent had to learn to do that. All of a sudden, we are the grown-ups. We have to behave in ways that will positively influence our children. We may know we have liberty or know how and when to say or do something, but the children aren't ready. We use restraint. We use discretion.


You have liberty, but you might think about how you use that liberty. And in your liberty, don't hurt your brother.

By Austin Gardner February 24, 2026
Biblical clarity for ministry leaders. Learn why internal alignment matters more than external success. 50+ years of ministry wisdom from Austin Gardner.
By Austin Gardner February 23, 2026
Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit—but why? W. Austin Gardner explores the tension between bold faith and hidden pride in ministry leadership.
By Austin Gardner February 22, 2026
W. Austin Gardner explores the cautionary tale of Jehu in 2 Kings 10:31. Are you obeying with your whole heart, or just your hands? Discover the freedom of full surrender.
By Austin Gardner February 21, 2026
Why did God clear Pharaoh's flies instantly but leave Austin Gardner's? Explore a powerful lesson on trust, leadership humility, and grace from 50 years in ministry.
By Austin Gardner February 21, 2026
W. Austin Gardner reflects on the weight of leadership legacy and 1 Kings 22:52. Are your footsteps worth following? A biblical look at influence, character, and the power of example.
By Austin Gardner February 20, 2026
After 50+ years of ministry, W. Austin Gardner shares his shift from a culture of performance to a life of resting in grace. Discover the truth about identity in Christ.
By Austin Gardner February 19, 2026
Can everything change in a single day? W. Austin Gardner explores Joseph’s sudden restoration in Genesis 41:14 and why God’s timing is worth the wait.
By Austin Gardner February 18, 2026
Can you choose to forget the pain of the past? W. Austin Gardner explores Genesis 41:51 and Joseph’s decision to move from a place of wounding to a place of fruitfulness.
By Austin Gardner February 17, 2026
What happens when the past resurfaces? W. Austin Gardner explores Genesis 42, showing why character is built in the light and how to face old shadows with grace.
By Austin Gardner February 16, 2026
Stop the performance. W. Austin Gardner explores the high cost of pretending in ministry and how the "Big Leap of Faith" leads to true spiritual rest.