April 13 - Impurity

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil.

It is no surprise that this world is full of evil. Evil is something or somebody that is against God. This world is ruled by Satan, therefore, evil is revealed in many areas. Paul tells us to test everything. He isn't saying, "Test alcohol for yourself and see if you like it or that you can control yourself with it". By 'test everything', he is telling us that we should be drenched in the word, so that when evil appears, we will first of all notice it and secondly turn away from it.

I am able to decide what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is bad, through the word of God. I am instructed to test and see the bad around me and to avoid it. The devil would love a foothold as well as to see me fall flat on my face. When we notice the bad or evil, we have two options, and only two options: resist evil by turning away, following the example of righteousness in Christ  - or - to embrace the world and dabble in my sinful cravings. One leads to life and one leads to death.

What is so appealing about evilness, sin, and death that keeps us from resisting it at all times? The logical choice would obviously be to choose life and avoid death. We are stimulated by the temporary objects of this world. We want OUR money. Impurity through lust, profanity, idolatry, and hedonism grips us tightly and we are so afraid to shake 'it' off of us. God's grace is the only thing that can cleanse us from this impurity. Jesus Christ set the standard and we are instructed to follow and live according to that standard.

Obviously, we can't reach it...but love and forgiveness pave the path to righteousness. Without being drenched in the word of God, evil will destroy.