1Th 5:22 Abstain567 from575 all3956 appearance1491 of evil.4190

Refrain from every hurtful or evil form or view.

This is not talking about how others will see us; so as that we should make ourselves appear pious.

Rather it is saying that we should refrain from anything that is of a hurtful or evil element, whatever fashion it is.

For example listening or viewing common TV or radio programs, is not refraining from every evil form or view.

John if we are to abstain from the appearance of evil this would seem to be the appearance of evil as viewed by others. It is well known that we are to abstain from evil, but this is not saying that, it is saying we should not appear to do evil, weather or not we are doing it.

Redfog

The original text says "apo pantos eidous ponèrou apechesthe" which is literally "from every form of evil be abstaining."

However, even though this actual verse is not talking about abstining from the appearace of evil, as in not doing things which might appear to another to be evil, the concept is still a valid one in that Paul said he would abstain from things which, although he felt them to be OK, might cause his brother to stumble.

Mark chapter 3 makes it clear that Jesus was not afraid to appear evil. Abstaining from doing right because someone else may perceive it as wrong is wrong. Compromising right to placate others misguided views is only encouraging their misguidedness and multiplying error.

Mark ch. 3 - fascinating story and note that Jesus was angry. One of only two times He is described that way.

Something which has the appearance of evil is something which in the eyes of others would lower the standard of religious principle. Ellen White mentions undue familiarity with people of the opposite sex, close association with a married person of the opposite sex, hearing (especially a minister) marital problems from someone of the opposite sex, courtship until late at night (of course the two alone), objectionable friendships (of course not with a missionary objective), engaging in amusements improper for a Christian. She also mentions hop raising (here in Brazil a special problem is coffee raising).

It seems that Christians are always trying to find out what the limits are this of course leads to a number of opinions and answers.

Paul dealt with this in the question of eating meat offered to Idols. In 1st Corinthians were he says in chapter 8,

1Co 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

1Co 8:2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

1Co 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

1Co 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

1Co 8:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

1Co 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

1Co 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

1Co 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

1Co 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

1Co 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

1Co 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

1Co 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Sister White says it best in Steps to Christ,

Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ's, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest thoughts are of Him. All we have and are is consecrated to Him. We long to bear His image, breathe His spirit, do His will, and please Him in all things. {SC 58.2}

Those who become new creatures in Christ Jesus will bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Galatians 5:22, 23. They will no longer fashion themselves according to the former lusts, but by the faith of the Son of God they will follow in His steps, reflect His character, and purify themselves even as He is pure. The things they once hated they now love, and the things they once loved they hate. The proud and self-assertive become meek and lowly in heart. The vain and supercilious become serious and unobtrusive. The drunken become sober, and the profligate pure. The vain customs and fashions of the world are laid aside. Christians will seek not the "outward adorning," but "the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit." 1 Peter 3:3, 4. {SC 58.3}

I want to serve and please Jesus so I will go out of my way to avoid anything that would appear evil, some one brought up drinking ginger ale in a restaurant that some one could think you are drinking beer. Then I will avoid drinking ginger ale in a restaurant so as not to offend the weaker brother or sister.

Jesus was accused of eating, drinking, and hanging out with sinners..... so to me this concept seems to be a bit overrated....

Evil is definitely wrong. Paul didn't say avoid even the appearance of grey areas. Evil is evil in the eyes of everybody - not just in the eyes of a few fanatics. So, was he talking about the biggies?