How many times have you heard “abstain from all appearance of evil…” in reference to some situation in your life or in the lives of others? This comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:22.
The more I’ve read about this verse recently, the more I’m convinced that we aren’t applying it properly to our lives. Here’s why.
As Christians, we are supposed to be like Christ. Yes, we fail, actually we fail most of the time, if you’re honest with yourself. That doesn’t mean we don’t try, obviously.
Here’s the thing. I’ve tried to make this point before, and I don’t believe it came off correctly. I hope it does this time. Jesus did many things during His time on Earth that were considered “evil” by the religious establishment of His day. Just a few examples:
- He spent time with prostitutes
- He associated and spoke directly with women (which was against the culture of the time)
- He “worked” on the Sabbath by healing people
- He was accused of being demon possessed
- He was accused of being a drunkard (Luke 7:34)
And the list could go on and on.
Let me be clear – Jesus did nothing evil. But it was considered evil by many at the time.
Let’s go back to 1 Thessalonians 5:22. Now, we know that the Word was God and the Word is God, and Jesus was referred to as the Word become flesh. If that’s the case, He can’t contradict Himself.
If that’s true, why do we see Jesus clearly not following the warning of 1 Thessalonians 5:22? I believe it’s because it doesn’t mean what we’ve taken it to mean.
I believe it means actually avoiding things that are evil, or sin. Jesus never sinned. We know that. But he clearly did not “abstain from all appearance of evil.”
Does this mean we go out looking to do things that appear evil? Of course not. But we should be very wary when people warn us not to do things because they appear to be evil.
For example, playing cards has been considered evil, going to the movies has been considered evil, etc. etc.
Let’s not get so wrapped up in avoiding the appearance of evil that we miss out on what God has for us.
heck yeah! thats what im talking about! very well stated!
I think the key to understanding this verse is somewhat in its context and translation. The Greek word “eidos” is translated in the KJV as “appearance.” I think a more proper translation of the Greek word, and many bibles translate it this way, would be “shape” or “form.” Hence the scripture would read ” Abstain from all forms of evil.” Makes more sense doesn’t it ?
Love this write-up buddy! Very true!