5 ‘bad’ things Christians need to avoid

Christians are people set apart from the world. This means there are certain ‘bad’ things we need to avoid.

These include:

Seeking Approval

Depending on approval from human beings is a slippery slope that takes you away from God. As Christians, our approval should only come from one place — God.

Knowing this sustains whenever we receive negativity or hate from the world. See John 15:18–27 and Matthew 10:22.

Gossiping

Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Psalm 101:5 adds, “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure.”

ALSO READ: Gossiping, other meaningful things to give up before Lent ends

Being Worldly

Its impossible to be Godly and worldly at the same time. As Christians, we have been called to be Godly, holy, which leaves no room for worldliness.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15–17)

Holding grudges

Being a child of God means you have access to God’s forgiveness so its only fair that we treat others the way He treats us.

Since we have been forgiven, its only right that we share this gift instead of holding grudges.

“Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” (Matthew 18:21–22)

Fear

This has no place in a Christian’s heart because of what we carry on the inside.

2 Timothy 1:7–8 clearly states that we have no business with this particular emotion. It reads: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…”

We should always replace fear with hope and faith in our God.

“This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)