Abstain from Every Form of Evil

Scripture

“Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 NKJV).

Commentary

This seems like a no brainer. Who doesn’t know we are to abstain from evil? However, if it is so fundamental to the Christian life, why is this warning given so many times in Scripture. The answer is as obvious as the command: we are in a battle with evil our entire Christian life, and the enemy has an ally, our flesh.

Focus for a moment on just one word in this command. Consider the word EVERY if you will. Why is this word there? You know, don’t you? It is there because we tend to pick and choose the evils we will allow in our lives. Today it might be anger, tomorrow greed, and the next day fear. This is not how a Christian is to live.

It’s true that we will often fail in one way or another, but to have a mindset other than to abstain from all forms of evil is to make a pact with the devil. If we are not totally sold out for God, then we have not surrendered all. Jesus said it this way, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. . . And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. . . So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26-33).

Beloved of God, abstain from every form of evil. Begin by praying for victory over temptations. Ask God to open your mind to the Scriptures, and that what you have already read will be available during your hour of need. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7b).

Prayer

Father, we need you to fill us with your Holy Spirit. Show us our way of escape when the time comes. See if there is any wicked way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting. Glorify yourself in our lives this day, we pray, amen.