From what should I abstain?

1 John 5:21Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

We are called to abstain from anyone, or anything, that replaces God as the first priority in our lives. God desires a heart totally devoted to him.

Psalm 101:4I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.

Psalm 119:101I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word.

1 Thessalonians 5:22Stay away from every kind of evil.

Colossians 3:5, 8So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world . . . But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.

1 Peter 2:11Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.

We should abstain from sin as much as humanly possible—from both sinful thoughts and actions. A heart that allows thoughts of evil, lust, anger, rage, or impurity to linger is a heart that will draw us into greater sin.

1 Thessalonians 4:3God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.

We should abstain from sexual sin, both before marriage and after. This is essential in a marriage relationship where faithfulness and trust are critical to the bond of unity God intended between a husband and wife.

Psalm 26:4-5I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked.

Proverbs 14:7Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.

Proverbs 22:24-25Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

1 Corinthians 5:11I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.

1 Timothy 5:22Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

2 Timothy 3:5They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

We should abstain from keeping “bad company” for our own souls’ protection. Bad company often leads to bad conduct. Though sharing our faith requires interacting with neighbors who may not live by God’s standards, we must be careful to ask ourselves, “Are they becoming more like me, or am I becoming more like them?”