Avoiding The Appearance Of Evil

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY MARCH 16, 2002
(1 Thessalonians 5:22)

Keep away from every kind of evil.

Avoiding the appearance of evil. One of the more troubling things for me in this media culture we live in, are the mixed signals many of the most famous athletes and entertainers send out in regard to their faith. Let me say up front, I am not judging anyone's salvation. Only God knows a person's heart so we should never, ever try to say a person is saved or lost. However, a person's actions often give an indication of where they are at spiritually. Britney Spears is one of pop music's top performers.

It is well publicized that she is a Christian, reads her Bible daily, and has taken a vow of abstinence until marriage. I applaud her stand on abstinence, and hope many of her fans will follow her example. There is a great contradiction though in Britney's professed faith in Christ, and the image she portrays in her professional career and her personal life. From the lyrics in the songs she sings, to living with her boyfriend, to the clothing she wears, to the choreographed dance routines... all are based on sex. She has become a stumblingblock to many men young and old, and is a horrible role model for so many young women who idolize her. It is a shame that a young woman, with the great gifts that God has obviously given to her, has sold out her life for the temporary fame and fortune of this world, rather then using for the glory of God.

Britney is not alone though. Toni Braxton has several ministers in her family, Mariah Carey is one of pop's superstars, N*Sync is the hottest group today, and many more of the superstars in music and film... profess a faith in Christ, yet their professional careers are built around marketing sex to the masses. We also have famous athletes. Very visible and bold about proclaiming their faith in Christ, yet living lives that would call into question their level of commitment. The purpose today is not to question the salvation of these people. It is not to humiliate them for the sins in their life, for we ALL have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. Most of us are fortunate that our sins aren't printed in the National Enquirer or on the 6 o'clock news. No my friend, the purpose is to highlight the mixed signals many of these high profile people send out.

The Bible says clearly that we are to avoid the appearance of evil. This is a powerful verse. Why? Because there is a world, a lost world watching. Never forget that your most powerful witness, your loudest witness for Christ is NOT what you say, but how you live. People watch you, they notice how you live day to day. Having Christ in your life, living for Him daily, makes you different, and people notice that difference. Again, I am not here to judge Britney Spears or any other celebrity that professes to be a Christian. I have enough problems taking care of my own life. However, due to the fact these people are so visible, have so many people that idolize them and imitate them.... what they portray, even though it may not be who they really are, influences many people. THAT is why the Bible says to "avoid the appearance of evil". How you act influences others.

I love you and care about you so much. I will be praying today that you will be aware that as you are living your life day to day, people are watching you. As you make it known that you are a Christian, people will be looking to see what is different about your life. It has been said that we are the only Bible some will ever see. Of course, in your own strength, there is nothing. But when you are living in the power of the Holy Spirit, there is everything. We possess a power greater than anything known in the universe. The key is tapping into that power each day. We do that in our time of prayer, in our time reading the Word each morning. We do that by dying to self daily and letting His will, not our will be done each day. It is what Jesus said when He told us that we "are the salt of this earth", and that we are to "let our light shine".

In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller

If I can help you in any way you can contact me through my personal email at bkeller@liveprayer.com.

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