Christians: Rebelling Not Against the Laws of Good Conduct

Sometimes when there has been a difference of opinion as to the correctness of certain conduct or the fairness of criticism that it has provoked, observers” who have tried to be both just and kind have quoted the admonition: “Avoid the appearance of evil.”

The world is full of hasty critics who are ready to judge and condemn on the flimsiest evidence. There are many people, too, who, if they find themselves unjustly condemned, develop an obstinate indifference to criticism and perhaps even accentuate the appearance that has been so misjudged. Then a friend who tries to play the Christian part refuses the harsh judgment and says to the accused, “Try, so far as you can, to avoid even the appearance of evil.”

If he thus quotes the words of the apostle he is immediately informed that this is a wrong translation. It is evil we have to avoid and not the mere appearance of it. Scripture condemns those who judge by appearances. Often it is impossible to avoid that which superficial critics will denounce. The attempt to avoid the appearance of evil might in some instances involve a dereliction of duty. There are critics who would always find fault whatever we did. It is useless to try to please them.

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Author: Islip Collyer

Keywords: Appearance of evil, busybody, busybodies, involvement in politics, Christian politician, blameless, adversary, adversaries, Christian persecution, critic, criticism, fault finding, find fault, finding fault, Christian witness, witness, careful

Bible reference(s): 1 Thes 5:22

Source: “The Appearance of Evil,” The Christadelphian, Vol. 67, No. 798, 1930.

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