Appearance of Evil

Appearance of Evil

In 1^st Thessalonians Paul gives some very sound advice on how to walk daily as a Christian. We often forget these very sound precepts and assume that we can attain to a standard of Christianity on our own. In verse 16 though 22 the Apostle gives a seven step process whose simplicity has outlasted anything man has up to this point thought of.

If we follow these steps there will be no condemnation in those that are in Christ, from the world be they in church or on the street. Today we will address only the last one found in verse 22 “Abstain from all appearances of evil”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 Rejoice evermore. ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. ¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ¹⁹ Quench not the Spirit. ²⁰ Despise not prophesyings. ²¹ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. ²² Abstain from all appearance of evil.
When we consider this verse we must realize that Paul is not asking us to abstain from evil but even the appearance of evil. Not just that which is wrong but that which seem wrong in the eyes of others! As ambassadors of God that which we do that even appears wrong in the eyes of a non-believer, be it wrong or not it defiles God’s Name. this is why Samuel said to King David after his issue with Bathsheba “You have caused the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme his name” (2 Sam12:14)
Just because a thing does not appear to be wrong, in any way, and does not break any law, does not make it acceptable for God’s Ambassadors. It can still be improper for men and women of God because it is inconsistent with the respectability (Higher Standard in God) that we must attain to as Sons and Daughters of the Almighty God.
When we do not carry ourselves in a way that correctly represent God or put into question our love for God, we are putting God’s Name in judgment of the world, we have through our action allowed others to blasphemy the Name of God we have through our behaviors blasphemed the Name of God ourselves

This is why Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. If our actions, or our behaviors, or if we find ourselves in places, or situations and conditions were our Christianity is questioned; if we are not doing what will openly edify God’s Glory then we are not avoiding the appearance of evil.

Now because men (people) can not see our motives, what our intentions are is of very little importance, it makes little difference if we are motivated by Godly intentions, if what we do appears to be wrong in the eyes of the world; we have blasphemed God’s Name.

It is always safe to lean to the side of virtue, therefore we don’t get so caught up on the action being right or wrong the virtue of the action should cause us to abstain, and the desire to rightly represent God reframe from any indulgence.

Because we represent God, when there is a possibility of misinterpretation of our motives, or actions we are presenting a defiled picture of God. God requires us to aim at living our life Holy, to be different form the rest of the world. Therefore how we conduct ourselves, where we find ourselves, whom we associated with will do more to bring a true believer to God then all the witnessing in the world when they do not see you living the life you are witnessing




T. Charves FireSpeaks