Allergic To....

There are many people today who are allergic to all kinds of things. Some are allergic to various kinds of foods such as milk products, peanuts, etc. Others may be allergic to different animals such as dogs and cats and most people suffer seasonal allergies from various types of pollen. While all these types of allergies are related to our physical well-being, every true disciple of Christ realizes that there are various dangers that we need to stay away from in order to maintain good spiritual health.

The scriptures give us a clear indication of what we are “allergic to” spiritually. These cause us great discomfort because we know that we are not being pleasing to God when we allow ourselves to get involved with any of these.

Every Kind of Evil “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). This should cause us to think about the choices we make, because taking part in what is clearly evil is not good for our spiritual vitality. All we need to do is ask ourselves if the practice we are about to engage in is something that Jesus would do. To the one really trying to live a life devoted to Christ, the answer is an obvious one. If Jesus would not practice or sanction it, then it is evil, and we must abstain from it!

Foolish Disputes and Arguments “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife” (2 Timothy 2:23) “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless” (Titus 3:9). This takes discernment, for some arguments have merit in defending the faith. But those for which there is no answer or which have no bearing on truth only cause dissension.

Sexual Immorality “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). The Bible clearly says that any sexual activity outside the boundaries of marriage between a man and a woman is immoral (Genesis 2:24; Exodus 20:14; 1 Corinthians 7:2; Hebrews 13:4). 

Are we willing to make the effort to steer clear of things we are spiritually “allergic to” which will cost us our very soul? The word of God clearly shows us what is right and wrong according to our heavenly Father. If we want to live our eternity in heaven with Jesus then we must recognize and accept that it is Jesus Christ who will be our judge in the last day. “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

Today avoid sin's tempting lures

And evil thoughts subdue,

Or sinful things may take control

And someday master you!

-- Bosch