“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1st Thessalonians 5:22

The children of God must, for a time, live in this world full of sin. However, that does not mean we should conform ourselves to the actions and opinions of the world.

Disciples of Jesus Christ should live above reproach. This means that our action should not even LOOK like we are partaking in the sins of the world. Examples of this behavior include things like the places we visit, the music we listen to, and the entertainment we enjoy.

It also concerns our actions in relation to other people. For example, a married person should not dine alone with someone of the opposite sex other than his/her spouse. Christians should not travel overnight with someone other than their family members even if they get separate hotel rooms. We should not give space of speculation or rumors.

Another popular sin among the people of God today is what is disgustingly called “common-law marriage.” Two people living together outside of marriage is fornication, period. Don’t say, “We are married in God’s eyes.” No you are not. God calls it sin!

These are just a few examples of how we should be acting differently than the world around us. It may take some radical adjustments to stop doing things we have done in the past. But we need to consider the reputation of our Savior Who died so that we can live above sin.

And rather than focus on what we can’t do, perhaps we should increase the joyful fellowship that God has called us to in His church!