I can remember a young lady saying, “I didn’t even know that verse was in the Bible.” It’s a short verse but it speaks volumes. “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22). Some have tried to quibble over it, but what is there to quibble?
The word “abstain” means “to hold oneself from, to avoid contact.” There is no compromise in that imperative. There is no room for “a little bit.” The word “every” is all inclusive, not leaving anything out. The word “form” involves every “kind, variety, sort.” The word “evil” includes everything that does not pass the test of God’s Word.
While we readily avoid “the big sins,” God commands us to keep ourselves away from (not allowing ourselves to get anywhere close to) every variety (big, small, medium) of ungodliness that does not conform to the will of God. That involves all that I do, all that I say, everywhere I go, persons with whom I associate, entertainment I bring into my home, etc., etc. Do I truly abstain from EVERY form of evil?