Abstain

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (1Th 5:22)

    This verse has been a mystery for me for many years.  With our weak and worldly minds, we must interpret it as we see it.  One wonders if the Lord doesn’t see evil differently than we do!  I am sure He does.  We can only know evil if, and when, we have the mind of Christ.  “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”  (Phil. 2:5)

    We abstain from the very grossest of evils, the fornications; the murders; the adulterous affairs, homosexuality, and such, but I wonder if the word “evil” here is much more inclusive than we usually credit it to be?  It really matters not what we think, but what the Lord thinks of evil, and how we interpret that!   Each of us will determine things to be evil that others would not necessarily agree with; we would continue in our daily walk according to our interpretation, and take pride in the fact that we are abstaining from evil.  This must be abomination to the Lord, just as much as it is seemingly glory unto us.  The only way we can even have an inkling of evil is by diligent study of the Word of God, and prayerful persistence in seeking the Lord. 
    “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Prov. 14:12)   This verse says, basically, the same thing--we do not necessarily know what is evil and what is not.   If it “seems” right, we feel we are okay with it.  It would behoove us to question every act, and every thought we have, and compare it to the Word of God.   Some may wonder, in way of excuse I suppose, what about things that are not obvious in the Word of God, like gambling, or smoking, movies, (even some include dancing and/or card playing) etc.?   To some, these things “seem” to be justified by their own minds, and yet, we must abstain, but why?  Because it is not conducive to a good testimony for one thing.   Our testimony is what others see us as, it is important when we seek to win others to Christ.  Another reason is that these things promote worldly activity, and induce thoughts and temptations to weaker brothers or sisters in the Lord who are greatly under the influence of such things.  Is that not evil in itself?  I could list others, but I am afraid that it may take an entire page to fill the meaning of “evil” in the eyes of the Lord.  Evil can be defined by that which is harmful--either to self or to others; any act or thought or suggestion that is hurtful or spiteful is evil, as well as the “common” evils that we are all aware of, and sometimes share.  Oh thank God for His wonderful grace, and the mercy He bestows on us daily, especially in this area.