Is it wrong to become a lawyer?
Question:
Good day, minister,
I don’t know how best to put this question, but it's been bothering me.
A sister has been facing a lot of pressure from the church lately regarding her career choice. In some parts of my country, many still believe Law is an evil profession. They believe it is not something a child of God should go into. To be blunt, they believe it’s a sin.
Meanwhile, there’s a sister whose life ambition has always been to be a lawyer. But due to a lack of exposure and proper grounding, the local church where she worships has been at her neck. Members there have been telling her to change the course. Even the preacher has been persuading her to sit for something else. The pressure is much more than I can explain.
Now, what can you say about that? There is I Corinthians 8:13 to consider. I feel it has been an occasion for stumbling in that church. And what should such a one do? My own counsel was for her to look for another church around, but this will not change the effect her choice already had on that particular church.
Thank you.
Answer:
I wonder how many realize that Jesus acts as our lawyer? "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (I John 2:1).
While there are many corrupt people in the legal profession, a Christian can still practice law without getting involved in corruption. Those stating that being a lawyer is sinful need to provide proof that God said it was wrong to be a lawyer.
When Paul stated, "Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble" (I Corinthians 8:13), he was referring to doing things that are lawful but might cause a fellow Christian to leave the faith. He is not talking about catering to everyone's personal whims.
It would probably be best for your friend to move to another area of the country to pursue her training. That congregation may not like it, but she won't be forcing them to accept her.
Response:
Thank you very much. This is lovely.
