Why are they doing that?

We are all intended to live with, spiritually walk with and follow, God, individually. Some may accept lots of wealth, some may not. Some people may live like Jesus or some of the prophets did, not retaining wealth or physical property.

Others may, like Daniel, King David, or King Solomon, accept and live with wealth, appearing to "take on the culture" surrounding them. Which many religious people often judge as, "becoming like the world".

Either way, no matter how it appears, we are not to judge. A quote from a very spiritual man asks,"Who are you to judge another Master's servant?"

Words of truth state, “all things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial”. Some may "eat meat sacrificed to idols" and yet, if they do this in faith, with the intimate knowledge given to them from their Creator, they do not sin. But someone who does not have faith to do this, would be committing sin. Because it violates what they believe and know, at that time.

Some of us may drink alcohol. Some smoke, wear jewelry, enjoy fashion, nice cars. Some take monetary payment for "ministry", books, teaching, and helping others. Some won't.

There have been times God has told certain people to not do a certain thing. Like Samson, to not drink, or cut his hair. But for each of us individually, we should and are required to, seek God for ourselves.

If we only do, or do not do, something because a person, and not God, gave us the instruction, then perhaps that "thing" isn't done in faith from our spirit. Possibly, our rules are based on only the logic and reasoning of our minds. Using the limited mental knowledge we have, from the limited scripture that we actually know.

Some tips to consider in all this. Hear God for yourself. Don't hold others to something God spoke to you. Likewise, don't encourage others to live a certain way that may violate what God wants for them at that time in their lives.

In the Bible there are a large variety of people who allowed, or didn't allow, certain things to be a part of their lives. But If we look at each character individually, attempting to come up with a list of "do's and don'ts" that pertain to us all, we will only find several, perceived, contradictions.

The answer is, LOVE. Love God. Love each other. Love yourself. Don't judge others. Don't do, or not do, anything based on guilt, shame, or fear. Because that is not the spirit God has given us. “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a clear sound mind".

Do all things in faith. Faith comes by hearing what God speaks to YOU. Words found in wisdom also say, "without faith, no one can please God" . And also, "anything not done in faith, is sin".

Love God. Hear God for yourself. For your life, for your personal instruction. Faith comes by hearing the, (Rhema) current, living, spoken, word of God. Words spoken specifically to you, and for you, at that moment and season of your life.

Follow that guidance of God's words to you. Because you love Him and you know he loves you, deeply. Knowing that He only instructs you in what He knows is best for you.

God is always much more concerned about our hearts than the outside appearances. So, like God, let's not judge on outside appearances. Don't hold others to our personal standards or rules. Causing us to internally judge those that do, or don't, follow our same standards.

Let's ask God to lead us. If we see something that concerns us for others, first, ask for Gods love to cast out any fear, worry, or anxiety you have for that situation or person. Then ask Him to give you His eyes so you can see His view of others.