"Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good"

"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is
Evil, cleave to that which is good."
-Romans 12:9

What makes staying on the alter so difficult? Obviously, it is the evil that surrounds us daily. Selfishness, hatred, unforgiving spirit, anger, frustration with the Lord...all of these sins make living for Christ difficult. But as Paul wrote to the Romans, we are to abhor that which is evil.

Webster's dictionary says "Abhor" means to LOATHE, HATE, SHUDDER AT, BE HORRIFIED BY.

Wait...we are supposed to hate evil. At the sight, sound, or touch of evil we are to shudder....be horrified by! When we turn on a movie, do we shudder when they use the Lord's name in vain? Or maybe the inappropriate "for children's eyes" scene you fast-forward... do we truly hate it?

Our culture has seemingly numbed our generation to sin. No longer do we shudder at the evil which surrounds us daily. And...why? Because the twenty-first century puts little bits of evil in a movie and we think "oh, it's just a little bit, it's okay." So the next time a hot new movie comes out, it has just a little bit more...and a little more...and...oh look! A little more!

Suddenly, it seems as though all the movies, music, and activities of our generation are overflowing with evil. How did it happen? Slowly..... cautiously...... and boom! Evil crept in.

As Christians we must not be conformed to this evil! We must abhor it, hate it...loathe it! The other day my dad and I argued about whether or not I should go to see Pirates 3. Everyone says its SO good! I saw the first two movies and loved them. However, I could not see the evil in it. Now, after a long discussion, prayer, and studying God's word I have realized slowly the evil is creeping into the Pirate movies. (From number one!) and the media was numbing me to it!

Thank goodness, I discovered this before I became to "used" to it!

So now, I challenge us all as Christian young ladies and young men, to abhor that which is evil, and cling to everything good! "Pray without ceasing," and "rejoice evermore." Study God's word. I heard someone say that the average christian only reads their bible for 8 minutes per day. Oh, and did I mention that only 38% of Christians read the bible during the week at all?

We need a revival. This will never happen until we fall entirely in love with Christ, lay ourselves on the alter, and:

"Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil."
-1 Thess. 5:21-22

In Christ Alone,
Rebecca L. S.