Shying away from the "appearance of evil" is something I have been told my entire pre-teen to adult life. The first time I remember hearing this term was in young women's during a lesson on virtue, in the same lesson we were told, "french kissing is bad and will send you to hell, don't do it unless necessary." So, as you can imagine, I didn't really take it to heart because, that's just ridiculous, when is french kissing ever necessary? At least a couple times a year, I continued to hear the phrase "appearance of evil", it got used on me when I brought Starbucks to seminary (by the way it was hot chocolate). But, because it was a Starbucks cup people just assumed and I remember a parent telling me I should probably not bring Starbucks again because people could think the wrong thing. But hey, you know what they say about assuming things ;).
My immediate response was, "well, why should I care what anyone else thinks? I know what I'm drinking and that's my business". Then I got lectured and as I was such a lovely teenager, I just nodded my head and kept doing my own thing. Recently I have had to deal with the whole "appearance of evil" lecture again, and it just bothers me, I'm an adult, why can't I make my own decisions without people judging me? Like I said when I was a teenager, why should I care what anyone else thinks? It's my life and I know what I am doing is right or wrong, who is anyone else to judge me for it? Even if they do, why should I care? Luckily, I am secure enough with myself to say, I don't care. I don't care if little miss Molly or Peter are over there judging me for things they don't even know about. I don't care if they talk about me behind my back, it's happened my entire life so why should I care now?We, as Christians are taught to "judge no lest ye be judged", and yet, in my church I feel like people are judged all the time. There is so much drama, all the time in the church and for me, it takes away the spirit. It makes me not want to go because I know, if I'm not following every little rule to a 'T' I will be looked down on. For a long time that was a major factor in me not going to church, which luckily I have decided is ridiculous. Why let a few judgmental people, effect my eternal progression? The church is true, the people aren't. That's my mantra when it comes to church, because while there are many that are great, amazing, inspiring people, there are just as many people who make me want to scream and kick puppies.
I just wish that people would get over themselves and learn that not everyone is a "perfect person". In fact, they aren't even perfect people. I just wish we would get rid of the term "appearance of evil" because it just really annoys me. I don't know if I made much sense with this post but my main point is this, stop being judgmental. Just stop it. It's easy, just get over yourself and your pride, humble yourselves and start realizing there is more than just your point of view. I know that not everyone will agree with me but, I know there are a lot that will, as well. On that note, though, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and get to spend it with your families!
