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1 Thessalonians 5:22
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22 Abstain [apechomai] from [apo] all [pas] appearance [eidos] of evil. [poneros] KJV-Interlinear
22 abstain from every form of evil. NASB
In this world, there are forms of evil which are unquestionable and obvious. But too, there are often times morals or standards of conduct that may seem to border on the thin line of sin or not sin. These activities may not be obvious as sin, but may be considered as sin by some aspects of society, and therefore frowned upon.
The obvious sins are theft, murder, gossip and such activities. Of these types of conduct, the question of sin verses good, is clear.
However when you enter into the realm of fashion and culture, even social behavior, then the areas of conduct become more subjective and unclear. In these instances, courtesy and thoughtfulness should come to the forefront of your conduct.
To insult another because of their dress, for example, is impolite to say the least. And when you insult someone, then they will have a tendency to ignore your views on Christianity. And losing someone to spiritual failure is by far much worse, than your opinion on how they dress.
Not only are you to avoid evil in your life, but you are to avoid even the appearance of evil, if in some case, others may hold such values as dear to their way of life.
Now, for a better and more personal example. Suppose you are a missionary and you go to the native population and meet the chief. He has several wives. What would you do concerning those multiple wives?
Well, some might suggest that the chief be made to get rid of the many wives and keep only one. Would that be the right thing to do?
What of the many wives? What would they do? Where would they go? How would they live? Would you condemn them for their role in a society over which they may have had no say in the matter?
Or, would you consider the multiplicity of wives as a lesser evil and the teaching of doctrine of greater importance. With doctrine, the social norms will sort themselves out, in time. The chief will still assume responsibility for the wives. No one will be thrown out onto the street, or into a society that would reject them, and life will eventually stabilize as it should for everyone.
And what of other differences that you might encounter? Some might want to wear black all of the time, push sticks through their cheeks, wear lots of ear-rings, and this list can go on and on.
What of contemporary issues like global warming, or abortion or such issues that might be clear in your mind, but not in someone else's? Do you win arguments by forcing your views? Probably not.
The teaching of Bible doctrine is the primary objective of the Christian life. With truth, everyone will eventually come to the understanding of truth, given time.
An adversarial approach, even if you are right, only hinders that process and in fact may set someone's spiritual life, back.
So, in your spiritual conduct, do not purposely do things that may cause others to stumble in their spiritual lives.
Even when you are right, a subtle form of arrogance may cause you to fail in your interactions with others.
The objective of your spiritual life is to not be right all of the time in order to force others to see your point, but often times you have to use finesse and diplomacy, in other words be polite and courteous, so that others will see God, Christ, doctrine, and their spiritual lives, rather than being put on the defensive by your, ‘being right.’
