Abstain from every form of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 ESV
Abstain from Evil
Canadians expect their government to take all necessary steps to keep them safe, while safeguarding their values, their rights and freedoms and the open, inclusive character of our country. The Criminal Code listing regime is an important tool for countering terrorism in Canada and globally, and is part of that commitment. The Government of Canada has placed 13 new groups on the Criminal Code list of terrorist entities, including four ideologically motivated violent extremist groups. Each entity has knowingly participated in or facilitated a terrorist activity.
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With social media offering far more insight into the world in which we live, we are more aware of the evil that is in the world that we might have been just a couple of decades ago. That being said, some of the more recent news has made us aware that Christians are more likely protected from the evil that is prevalent in our day. Followers of Christ are called to avoid even the appearance of evil. Thessalonica was marked by idolatry and sexuality not unlike our day today. So, Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:22: “Abstain from every form of evil.” Jesus never sinned. He sets the example for each of His followers. He calls us to be perfect as He is perfect. That is impossible until His Kingdom arrives in its fullness. But even in this world we are called to reflect His nature. By His grace, we need to say no to those things that represent the darkness that marks our world. We can only abstain from every form of evil as His Spirit fills us. Invite Him to do so in your life today.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley