"Abstain From Every Form Of Evil"
"Quench not the Spirit; despise not prophesyings; prove all things; hold fast that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thess. 5:19-22) "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." (Rom. 12:9)
These admonitions were needed in the days of Paul; thus, the Holy Spirit directed him in giving them. Who can say that they are not needed now? Is there less evil today than in Paul's time? Unless evil has disappeared we need to Abe cognizant of its presence and where it is. There is no question, there are certain things that lead in the wrong direction and away from that which is good. Do we have our "senses exercised to discern good from evil"; therefore, able to detect what they are?
1. Is there any evil connected with intoxicating drink? Does it lead away from good? If there is danger or evil in the "bottle" or "can" then the Christian cannot in any way encourage drinking "socially" or otherwise any of the mixtures that would be classified as liquor, even if brewed with pure "mountain water." This evil must be shunned and abhorred. One must close his eyes to all facts to say that there is no evil in this realm.
2. Is there any evil connected with dancing? Evidence is overwhelming as to what it has done and will do for morals. Lusts are excited by the embraces and bodily contacts in the dance. The flesh promotes it. It must be in the direction of evil, so the course of the Christian is clearly set in this matter. He must slum it.
3. Is there any evil in night clubs? Who wants to say that these lead toward righteousness? The trend is away from good. Therefore, shun them.
4. Is gambling a form of evil? It is so classified by all thinking people. It is not conducive to good. Therefore, the Christian does not engage in "innocent" matching games. If we play in the dirt some is certain to get on us. "Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals."
I hear some saying, "Evil can be made out of everything." No doubt, this is true; but not "everything" promotes evil and has such a historical background. The works of the flesh, of which the Christian is warned, are prominent and foremost in many activities, including these I have mentioned. Read Gal. 5:19-21.
Here are some questions which will help us to determine the evil of an act:
1. Are the works of the flesh prominent in the act?
2. Do the works of the flesh promote the act?
3. Take the works of the flesh out, and would the act continue?
4. Does the act destroy or promote good?
Just remember, the Christian must "abstain from every form of evil."
— 320 Hackberry, McAllen, Texas