AVOID
OF THE APPEARANCE OF EVIL
The
Apostle Paul tells believers to abstain from every form of evil (1 Thess 5:22).
While the ESV reads, “form,” other translations read, “appearance,” e.g. the
KJV, BRG, GNV, AKJV, and TPT. In the English language, form and appearance have
two disparate meanings and implications. Paul’s instructions here are often
stretched in manifold directions to fit one’s theological interpretation. It is
doubtlessly a vital instruction; yet, believers must discern and interpret the
intention behind Paul’s words. The line between clarity and ambiguity in these
directions is often imprecise, forcing Christians to a variety of personal
interpretations. Certainly, there is room for disagreement here; we must,
however, determine what Paul’s words mean based on sound reason and doctrine. I
have four personal thoughts regarding the appearance (or the form) of evil.
It Is Better to Err on the Side of Holiness Rather Than Evil
We
should first understand that it is always better for Christians to err on the
side of holiness rather than evil. When discussing subjective and hermeneutical
issues, our arguments are often made through the lens of what we might do
without constituting sin. We should, however, constantly ask ourselves what we
might do that is closest to holiness rather than what is closest to evil
without being evil. I must measure my words carefully here because I do not
want to imply that a decision based on the lack of evil is sin. Make no
mistake; it is not. Nonetheless, Christ does not call us to serve him
flippantly. Contrarily, believers are called to give up all rights to self
(Matt 16:25). John Piper says it this way:
God gave us a self, not so that we would have something to
exalt in, but something to exalt with. He gave us a self, not to be the object
of our joy, but the subject of joy. That is, not to be the focus of happiness
in front of the mirror or the selfie, but the furnace of happiness in front of
Jesus. Our desires are meant to lead us to God, in whose presence
is fullness of joy. He gave us a self not as an instrument of self-worth, but
as an instrument of worship.[1]
If
we view ourselves and our very lives through the correct grid, it becomes
quickly obvious that God has saved us for holiness, not personal gratification
through heaven. On that notion then, we should err on the side of holiness rather
than evil. While an action might not be evil in and of itself, it might not be
the most holy option for us. It surely could be, though we must determine which
it is. Erring on the side of holiness will never detract from the mission of
glorifying God.
The Line between the Appearance of Evil and Evil Itself Is
Often Blurred
One
reason the appearance of evil is a difficult topic to discuss is because the
line between appearance and actual evil is often blurred. This further
illustrates the necessity of erring on the side of holiness. Nevertheless, it
should be elucidated that the appearance of evil is not synonymous with evil
itself. I think this is why Paul’s instructions are given in the first place.
Paul does not refer to appearance or form as evil; his instructions to avoid
it, however, imply that what looks evil might be evil if it contaminates the
peace among believers. 1 Thessalonians 5 is written in the context of living at
peace with other believers. Paul gives the direction to avoid all forms of evil
then to enhance the peace among believers. Out of respect for each other, we
should humbly look to their interests above our own (Phil 2:4). What might
offend others should be considered carefully. It is impossible to live at peace
with everyone at all times (Rom 12:18); however, avoiding the appearance and
form of evil is a good start.
With
a blurred line then, Christians should consider the context. The appearance of
evil is contextual. In my personal experience, I have served in churches where
drinking alcohol was practiced without much thought. I’ve also served in
churches with congregants who considered drinking alcohol to be unarguably
wrong. Scripture never says that drinking alcohol is wrong so to profess that
it is sin is to effectively add to Scripture. In such a context though,
believers should consider the perspectives of others and respect them. If
drinking (or any other action) will hurt the peace and unity of the fellowship,
Christians should not practice it or at least be careful when they do, e.g. act
outside the presence of those who are offended by the action. The appearance of
evil is contextual; the line is blurry; and Christians should consider
contextual issues with wisdom before acting.
Christians Should Give Grace, Particularly in Ambiguous
Circumstances
The
topic of what appears evil has two contrasting views. There is the view of the
one who acts and the view of the one who observes the acts of others. From the
perspective of the observer, we should live with grace, particularly in
ambiguous circumstances.[2] If Scripture is not
explicit on an issue, Christians should not impose personal convictions on
others. Personal convictions are personal, not universal. In our actions,
however, we should consider who is observing us, i.e. are nonbelievers or weaker Christians watching us, and if so, how will our action affect them? In
asking such a question, I am, in no way, suggesting that the mere necessity of
asking the question means the action is wrong. One might be able to employ a
questionable (at best) action without affecting another’s spirituality. If our
actions affect believers or nonbelievers in a negative way, the action is
wrong. In our observations then, we should ask ourselves if we are critical
because it affects us negatively or if our critique is baseless. I think many
of our critical opinions are baseless. They don’t truly affect our spirituality
or the spirituality of others, although we might argue and even think they do.
For baseless opinions then, we should give abounding grace.
Paul
says that just because something is lawful does not mean it is beneficial (1
Cor 6:12). That does not mean, however, that what does not benefit us is
unquestionably a sin. Paul’s thought here is often used as an argument against
hazy actions. Be mindful of the fact that what appears evil to some might not
appear evil to others. We can be as careful as possible to avoid the appearance
of evil throughout our entire lives, but the time comes when others’
preconceived notions with no merit should be disregarded. If we did not employ
every action someone thought was questionable, we might live as vegetables in
our house; even that might be considered evil by some. The three perspectives
we should take are:
1) we
should give grace to people to practice actions that are not explicitly
forbidden in Scripture and even ask ourselves why we are offended by the action
in the first place;
2) we
should err on the side of righteousness in a reasonable manner, i.e. if one’s
criticisms of our actions are unquestionably baseless, we should discuss these
matters with them in love; and
3) we
should live at peace with and out of respect for one another in the body of
Christ.
Christians Are Ambassadors Always
My
final thought on the issue of the appearance of evil is that Christians are
ambassadors for Christ always. We don’t get a break from it. In that light then, we should take our
call to follow Christ seriously. Knowing Christ and making him known requires
substantial commitment. With the glory of God as the issue, every single
decision we make, big or small, should serve that aim. No Christian is ever exempt
from serving and honoring Christ. Contextually, God-honoring decisions could
look different for different people. Being mindful of our context then, let us
seek righteousness above evil and always err on the side of holiness and grace.
[1] John Piper, “Avoiding Pride in a World of Selfie
Sticks and Social Media Platforms,” Ask
Pastor John, Desiring God, February 12, 2018, accessed February 13, 2018, https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/avoiding-pride-in-a-world-of-selfie-sticks-and-social-media-platforms.
[2] The term, “ambiguous circumstances” implies
circumstances that are not biblically clear regarding rightness and wrongness.
