Even the appearance

1 Thessalonians 5:22 “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

The Amplified says, “Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it].”

We must abstain, avoid, shun, keep away from, and keep clear of all forms or types of evil. We are not to participate in any kind of sin. There is no sin or evil that is acceptable in a believer’s life.

How do we do that? Even though the King James is the only translation to use “appearance of evil,” it is still the best way to stay out of evil or sin. We must not find ourselves as friends of the world or living in any form of sin or evil.

It is impossible to be a sinner and not sin, but for a believer, you and I have the ability to abstain from sin or evil. We do this by being strong in spirit, renewing our mind, and keeping our bodies or flesh under. You cannot keep your flesh under unless you are born again, and you have possessed your soul.

If you have a tendency to sin in an area, then you must avoid it. If you have trouble with things you see, then do something that blocks it, like talking to them by phone, so you can’t see it. If you have trouble with lying, then tell someone you love and trust that even if you exaggerate the truth, they should call you on it.

“Oh, that’s not a big deal,” you say. Really? The devil is the father of lies, and when you even exaggerate the truth, it is a lie and so, you are participating with the father of lies.

Avoid even the appearance of evil. If we walk in this standard, then our lives will be so much better. Abstain!