What shouldn’t I avoid?

Jonah 1:3Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.

Luke 14:17-20“When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

We should not avoid doing what God has called us to do. That is sinful, and we will miss out on the joy and satisfaction of accomplishing what God created us to do and what is important to him. And like Jonah, we may also be miserable for it.

Proverbs 24:12Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew.

Ecclesiastes 8:3Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants.

We should not avoid fulfilling our commitments and responsibilities. We are responsible for God’s work, especially when we are the ones he has chosen to do it.

Deuteronomy 22:4“If you see that your neighbor’s donkey or ox has collapsed on the road, do not look the other way. Go and help your neighbor get it back on its feet!”

Psalm 38:11My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. Even my own family stands at a distance.

Proverbs 3:27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.

Isaiah 58:7“Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.”

We should not avoid doing good for those in need. Helping someone in need reflects the love of Jesus.

Job 1:8Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.”

Psalm 101:3I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.

Psalm 119:3They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.

Proverbs 16:6Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.

Proverbs 16:17The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.

Romans 13:14Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

1 Peter 3:11Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

We should not avoid developing a close relationship with God. Keeping a close relationship with God helps us avoid sin. The closer we are to God, the further we are from evil and the less likely we are to sin. When we seek wisdom from the Lord, we will avoid many errors in judgment.