“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
Abstain = to keep oneself back; voluntarily do without.
This principle of Christianity is pretty straightforward, for two important reasons: (1)Things that don’t look right are an open door for things to happen that are not right. (2)To be associated with that which doesn’t look right, has the appearance of wrong doing in the eyes of others. A person will bring reproach upon their own reputation and discredit their Christian testimony for doing things that have the appearance of wrong doing.
The proud, defiant, self-willed, and forward spirit says, “It’s nobody’s business, but mine. It’s my life, I’m in charge, and I know what I’m doing.”
But when a person is saved by God’s grace, they are bought with a price–they are no longer their own, but God’s. They are responsible to God to diligently do what will best glorify God in both their body and spirit, which are God’s, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
We are responsible to avoid the appearance of evil, so as to be blameless and give none occasion for others to question our Christian integrity and morals. “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2 Peter 3:14 “Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evil doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” 1 Peter 3:16
Our church covenant expresses our common duty unto and for the testimony of the church, the name of Christ, and the principle of godliness: “We also engage…to walk circumspectly in the world” = careful attention to all circumstances that may relate to an action, conduct, etc.; “faithful in our engagements” = what we set out to be and do is to uphold godly standards; “exemplary in our deportment” = serving as a model and example for others.
Things that have the appearance of evil project just the opposite of our obligations to our Redeemer and to the Body of Christ, and unto all others to see it.
There is nothing more valuable than a good reputation. To have it, we must guard it by abstaining from all appearance of evil. Separating from the appearance of evil is the practical safeguard against being caught up in evil.
SHARING
