1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
Any time a believer compromises with the world there is an appearance of wrong. It may be easy for the believer to argue that no sin was actually committed, but what signals are being sent?
The Apostle Paul spoke about weaker believers who may be struggling with the issue of meat offered to idols. If these baby believers had been a part of some group that worshipped idols and considered the meat offered as sacred, they would carry the stigma along with them once they had become believers.
Paul says that the meat had no such stigma for him, but if in eating it the weaker brother was made to stumble, he would not eat it. I wish each of us would have that same sensitivity for others. We need to evaluate our actions in relation to the impact they have on those around us. We are a walking and talking example of what true believers should be.
Here are a few things to evaluate in your life that may give a wrong appearance: The way we dress, the words we use, the places we go, the things we listen to, the people we associate with, the things we watch, just to name a few. Here is the question: Are you giving any appearance of sin or evil in your life?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil