Avoiding the appearance of evil

[Robinsegg]

Hello!
Due to another thread (and not wanting to take it any more off-topic than it already is), I thought I'd ask the question:
Do you believe that we, as Christians and as married Christians, should be careful to flee the appearance of evil?
If so, how does that look for you?

22Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Rachel

 

[charligirl]

Absolutely I do, whether married or not. A couple of quick examples...

When my Dh and I were engaged in the weeks leading up to our marriage we bought a house - whilst there were enough rooms and we knew we weren't sleeping together, only I moved in until after the wedding.

Now I am married I have to meet with our senior Pastor each week as I am on the pastoral team. We never meet alone, always in his office when others are about or in one of our houses when the spouse is present.

 

[Beth1231]

Yes, I believe we should be careful. Not only to be an example of character and integrity to other people who might be watching (and maybe wanting to gossip), but also to protect your marriage from temptation.

Examples:
Both of us play chauffuer (they ride in the back seat) to anyone of the opposite sex who wants to ride in our car. The exception is children and parents.

We own our own business and we meet people of the opposite sex in public places for our meetings, interviews etc.

We also limit physical contact to shaking hands and side hugs for long-time friends.

 

[NiteClerk]

I don't know if I would use the word flee. But if at all possible we should choose the course of action that does not resemble evil.

 

[Redguard]

Often, I think that the appearance of evil exists in the eyes of those who viewing others.

So, while seeing a man and a woman at church having a conversation may seem innocent to some, others may see it as the "appearance of evil" because, in their mind, they're probably having an affair or something.

 

[tigercub]

Um...well I know my own limitations an my strengths, so I act accordingly.

 

[Johnnz]

In NT times society was very different from ours. It was a cruel, immoral, violent, superstitious, corrupt world. Christian were to live in stark contrast with their surrounding society. They did, inviting persecution. But they also grew in numbers through their unwavering testimony of radically changed lives.

Today, we tend more to blend in rather than stand out in the way NT Christians did. The "no appearance of evil" was not tiptoeing on minor matters but full on, radical challenge to the underlying basis of Roman society.

John
NZ

 

[JulySheMustFly]

Because of this . . .

In NT times society was very different from ours. It was a cruel, immoral, violent, superstitious, corrupt world. Christian were to live in stark contrast with their surrounding society. They did, inviting persecution. But they also grew in numbers through their unwavering testimony of radically changed lives.

Today, we tend more to blend in rather than stand out in the way NT Christians did. The "no appearance of evil" was not tiptoeing on minor matters but full on, radical challenge to the underlying basis of Roman society.

John
NZ

I think this is an accurate understanding today . . .

Often, I think that the appearance of evil exists in the eyes of those who viewing others.

So, while seeing a man and a woman at church having a conversation may seem innocent to some, others may see it as the "appearance of evil" because, in their mind, they're probably having an affair or something.

What is EVIL?

 

[BigNorsk]

The text isn't so much telling us not to do anything that someone could misinterpret as evil. It's telling to stay away from every type or kind or when evil makes it's appearance to stay away.

The KJV get's misinterpreted because of the word appearance and thinking that means we aren't to appear evil but it's really talking about appearance like when a movie star makes an appearance.

So you can see if you use other translations.
1Th 5:22 NET.
(22) Stay away from every form of evil.

1Th 5:22 ISV
(22) but keep away from every kind of evil.

If you read these translations and the KJV and think they have different meanings, they don't, but people often take the wrong possible meaning of appearance. So that verse has been real popular among pietists and legalists to basically outlaw everything.

Marv

 

[Redguard]

What is EVIL?

A question debated by philosophers for millenia... milleniums... milleniae... THOUSANDS OF YEARS!!!!

 

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

I avoid mass-consumer-based lifestyle, harming the environment and alienating others. That's as evil as it comes, IMO. Anythig else is just red-herrings and religious bigotry (he says in a dismissve bigotted way).

Again, sexuality is assumed where it is not referenced in the quoted text. We are a sad insecure lot us church, scared of sex and sexuality in particular, it seems to me.

 

[Rebekka]

I think we should avoid the appearance of evil, but it is far more important to avoid evil itself. Some people are eager to think others are sinning - you can't appear sinless to them unless you live like a hermit.

I don't flirt with others and don't want my husband to flirt with other women, but if he gives his female colleague a ride - I don't object to that even if they are both in the front seats. Husband even had dinner the other day with a female colleague, because he had to work all day. I didn't object - I was pleased to hear that he didn't have to eat alone.

My husband tells me everything and I tell him everything. That's how we avoid evil and its appearance at our house. I don't know what other people think of us when they see us - as long as the other people aren't paranoid, I don't think we're giving them the appearance of evil.

 

[malckiah]

Hello friend, well that translation of that verse is not very accurate and leads people into some trouble. It is better translated as...."Abstain from every form of evil."

See, when it is translated appearance, well.....that is alot more of a perspective than anything.......someone might think that something appears evil, when honestly...it's not!

But as Christians we are called to holiness, so if something is illegal or "a form of evil" then we should not be a part of it. As far as what this would include in detail.....the list would be to long to list, but if you seek from God as to what is right for you.....he will answer!

God Bless!

 

[gracepaints]

Generally speaking, I just think this a good idea, Christian or not. But like Redguard says, "the appearance of evil" IS often in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I am only concerned about how comfortable my husband is with me being involved in any given situation, how comfortable I am and, assuming I respect the gentleman in question, how comfortable he and HIS wife are. I'm not worried about what nosey next door neighbors think. I tend to go on instinct based rather than following a bunch of propriety rules.

 

[charligirl]

The translations given about appearance being a misleading word are good. I do think some people are paranoid about this and go overboard and I would agree with rebekkah and grace on the way to conduct yourself.

With the re-translation in mind I re-read my post but I still stand by it I think there is wisdom in not being alone with a member of the opposite sex for church meetings when you are likely to be praying and possibly having some deep conversations.. because that's one way soul ties and unhealthy attractions can start.... and living together before marriage is a temptation!

 

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

Agreed that "appearance" is misleading and basically gumpf. As Jesus appeared to be "evil" to many people, obviously it is a mis-translation!

Charligirl check yer theology, "soul-ties" is a heresy Not Biblical in the slightest.

To avoid all evil does NOT include illegal activities. For some of us being a Chrsitian is deemed illegal and some things that are illegal are unfairly so, like graffiti or protecting refugess.

Us christians just love to live in fear of peoples and their opinions, when we are not stomping all over other peoples opinions that is.

Balance in all things.

 

[charligirl]

Charligirl check yer theology, "soul-ties" is a heresy Not Biblical in the slightest.

.

Ok, perhaps the terminology 'soul-tie' and alot of the bunk that goes with it is a moot point . However the bible does talk about David and Jonathan having souls that were knit together - so it is totally possible to have a friendship that is so close (without sex) that you are entwined with another person on an emotional level. We also become one flesh with anyone we sleep with - another joining of the soul.

 

[rainbowpromises]

At first glance at this question I thought of being an example in all that I do and say. As I read I came across this post and realized there has to be more.

In NT times society was very different from ours. It was a cruel, immoral, violent, superstitious, corrupt world. Christian were to live in stark contrast with their surrounding society. They did, inviting persecution. But they also grew in numbers through their unwavering testimony of radically changed lives.

Today, we tend more to blend in rather than stand out in the way NT Christians did. The "no appearance of evil" was not tiptoeing on minor matters but full on, radical challenge to the underlying basis of Roman society.

John
NZ

John, I have to question your idea that we are different now than that of NT times. News articles in my area alone:

• cruel - teenagers beat to death another teen behind the local grocery store simply because he was different
• immoral - child pornography ring linked to adults in more than one country
• violent - a young man recieved a superficial gunshot wound and while being put in a car to be taken to hospital the attacker came after him with a knife
• superstitious - horoscope page (need I say more)
• corrupt world - government official caught in scandal claims to be justified in his actions

Christian were to live in stark contrast with their surrounding society. They did, inviting persecution.

This is just as required todayas it was then.

 

[DIANAC]

At first glance at this question I thought of being an example in all that I do and say. As I read I came across this post and realized there has to be more.


John, I have to question your idea that we are different now than that of NT times. News articles in my area alone:

• cruel - teenagers beat to death another teen behind the local grocery store simply because he was different
• immoral - child pornography ring linked to adults in more than one country
• violent - a young man recieved a superficial gunshot wound and while being put in a car to be taken to hospital the attacker came after him with a knife
• superstitious - horoscope page (need I say more)
• corrupt world - government official caught in scandal claims to be justified in his actions

This is just as required todayas it was then.

Amen to that!

 

[Meshavrischika]

The whole interpretation of the bible into English seems to have skewed the meaning of alot of text. I have a friend who studies under a Rabbi and he says we misinterpret SO much of the Bible and its meaning because of this. Also, there is so much tradition that we do not understand that colors the meaning of things.

Anyway, I agree with Redguard that the appearance of evil is an individual interpretation and has nothing to do with your intent necessarily. I also think that a person who wants to see evil, will see it, no matter what.

I think it might be more accurate to assume that BigNorsk is right in his assertion that the KJV is just not clear and the intent was actually for the christian to avoid evil, rather than the appearance of evil. Maybe the intent was to avoid things YOU percieve as evil.