| The Christian Life | August 1943 |
A Lesson in “Form” and “Appearance”
Christian Abstinence
“Abstain from every form of evil.”—I Thessalonians 5:22 Revised Version
THE King James translation of this text gives us the word “appearance” instead of “form,” as in the Revised Version. The Revised Version translation is the better one, for there are many things which may appear evil to others which are not actually evil. In some cases it is proper that the viewpoints of others in matters of this kind be given consideration in regulating Christian conduct.
For example, Paul explains that while he could eat meat which had been offered to idols, yet, if by doing so he would cause a weak brother to stumble, he would eat no meat as long as the world endured. (I Cor. 8) In this case Paul was avoiding that which appeared evil to some, although it was not actually evil. There are many ways in which Christians can thus watch their conduct with the view of not being an injury to fellow Christians. From this standpoint, it is proper to avoid even the “appearance” of evil.
But in other respects it would be wrong for a Christian to avoid something simply because it appeared evil to others. To some, it may appear evil to spend time, strength and money to publish the truth concerning the condition of the dead, that the wages of sin is death and not eternal torment. To some, it is a terrible crime to publish the true Gospel of the Kingdom through which is held out a hope of life for all mankind. That is teaching a “second chance” and is wrong in the minds of some. Surely we should not abstain from doing these things which the Lord wants us to do simply because to some they appear evil.
Jesus went about doing good, yet His works were made to appear evil, but He continued on faithfully until His obedience to the Heavenly Father resulted in His death. So we, too, as His followers, should be bold and untiring in the doing of the Father’s will. We are to be a people who are “zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:14) Our works, like those of the Master, will appear evil to those who walk in darkness, and will be thus spoken of, but this should not deter us in the least.
And we should just as zealously avoid every form of actual evil, that is, evil according to the standards of God’s Word. The verse preceding our text admonishes us to “prove all things,” and to “hold fast that which is good.” We are to discern between the evil and the good in the light of God’s Word. When the evil is discerned it must be cast aside; and in discerning the good, let us hold to it and govern our lives by it. Thus will we find favor in the sight of the Lord, and in the sight of those who are in harmony with the Lord. Thus will we be heeding Paul’s admonition of “giving no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed.”—II Corinthians 6:3