It’s easy to differentiate between bad and great. For example, no sports journalists argue for Jamarcus Russell’s induction into the NFL Hall of Fame over Tom Brady. The contrast of talent and work ethic, as well as results, is simply too apparent. But, on the other hand, telling the difference between good and great is a much more difficult task. You may be familiar with the saying by Jim Collins, “Good is the enemy of great.” In other words, the difference is often in the nuance, and nuance can be tricky.

The Danger of Nuance

Nuance is defined as “a subtle distinction or variation.” In other words, the variation may not be immediately identifiable. The danger of nuance should serve as a warning to Christians regarding our powers of moral discernment. This is because Satan chooses to live in the nuance. One only has to revisit the conversation that the serpent had with Eve to see this:

“He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” -Genesis 3:1-5

Satan thrives in nuance

Nuance is how Satan most often works; thus, nuance is most often how sin works. Sin presents itself in such a manner as to lose you in the nuance. “Did God really say? You surely will not die.” As with Eve, Satan will strive to convince you that right and wrong are often gray areas, not black and white. He wants you to believe that morals are relative, situational, and layered with nuance. If he convinces you of that, he has you right where he wants you–eyeing the fruit with desire. Allow me to say this one more time: If you regard morality as situational, you live in the nuance and have lost your guiding principles.

Satan, the Lion

Peter clearly warns us:

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

I will be the first to admit that I am no lion expert. So, I am dependent on people who experts are. Here is how one should react when he encounters a lion:

“It is vital to stand your ground, perhaps retreating very slowly, but to continue facing the lion while clapping your hands, shouting and waving your arms around to make yourself look bigger. Most charges are mock charges, so you will usually be fine. And remember: hold your ground! Never run or turn your back.”*

How do you face a lion? By being loud, obnoxious, and standing your ground. How do you face Satan, the prowling lion who seeks to devour? With confidence in the Scriptures and by standing your ground. There is no benefit in subtlety when facing down a lion.

Nuance in the face of a lion is weakness.

Nuance in the face of Satan is concession.

Draw hard and fast moral lines. Refuse to relegate sin as situational or relative.

“Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” -John Owen

*(https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/facts-about-lions/)