Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV) “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
To fear God and keep his commandments is the whole duty of man. What again, is the fear of the LORD? Proverbs 8:13 (KJV) says, “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil ...” To “hate evil” means to see anything evil or sinful as your “enemy”. Our enemy (sin, self, and Satan) seek to harm us and to work against our progress or stand in opposition to the pursuit of our God-given visions and goals. Therefore, it is wisdom to “flee” or “abstain” from every appearance of evil (1Th 5:22), that is, flee anything that looks like, suggests, or resembles evil. It’s not enough to avoid sin; we must also avoid situations that could compromise our testimony. Flee anything that could mislead others or damage your reputation as a Christian.
Now, it is wisdom to exercise “spiritual discretion” always. As believers in Christ Jesus, we must live in such a way that our conduct cannot be questioned. Our lives should reflect purity, transparency, and holiness before God and men. Our God wants us to be “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom (we) shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15; KJV). We must avoid all situations that could be misunderstood or questionable in appearance. We must maintain proper boundaries to preserve our integrity.
Written by: Pastor Andrew A Esemudje