‘I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.’ Rom 16:19
I know a few brothers who have strayed from The Way because they sought to understand other religions. They were not content with the simple truths Christianity presented; they wanted to be aware of the other options. But was Eve not deceived when she agreed to know the difference between ‘good and evil’ (Gen 3:5)?
Christians should be content with being wise in that which is good. Leave evil for evil men, even though they laugh at you for not knowing ‘what is in vogue’. God admonishes us through Paul to be wise in what is good. The word of God is good (Heb 6:5), and Christians must pursue perfection in the word. To be wise in the word, we must study the word of God so we will be equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3:16,17). God is good, and so we must continually meditate and think upon His mercies towards us. This good knowledge will fill our hearts with love, joy, and peace.
The enemy might want to convince us to dabble into other forms of knowledge, ‘just to be aware, peradventure it becomes useful to us’. But like Timothy, we must ‘refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise ourselves rather unto godliness’ (1 Tim. 4:7). Consistent exposure to evil will harm our pure and tender conscience.
Next time, when you are enticed to ‘try out something new just to be aware,’ please remember that God wants you to be wise concerning that which is good and simple concerning evil.
Prayer:
Thank you Father for giving us Your word which is very good and useful to us on this side Heaven. Help us to be wise in the word so that we will not be deceived, in Jesus name. Amen.
Written by Ike Amadi of @theLAfamily