“I want you to be wise about what is good, yet innocent about what is evil” (Rom. 16:19).

Innocence isn’t just for children; it’s for those who come to the Lord as children. A believer can be simultaneously innocent and clever. To be innocent isn’t to be ill-informed or oblivious; it’s to be unmixed and pure, as metal is pure.

In Ephesians, Paul states, “It is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret” (5:12), but modern-day Christians must mentally amend this verse because so many vile acts are carried out in public—and then they’re televised and applauded, Tweeted and re-Tweeted. Countless sins that were once hidden are normal in our culture, but God’s Word doesn’t change according to what’s culturally normal.

Innocence is a treasure that our ancestors didn’t have to fight for like we do. At one time, the typical unbelieving adult was not subjected to, in the course of a full week, what children can now see and hear in five minutes of television, movies, radio, or Internet. Sadly, even many believers who say, “Such things shouldn’t happen” are watching while they do happen.

It seems we’ve concluded it’s okay to watch as long as we disapprove. Or we bargain with God: “I’ll read off-color books only when I’m on vacation” or “I’ll watch this show but not that one” Maintaining one’s innocence takes diligence, intentionality, and consistency.

Today, determine to draw your boundaries according to God’s standards, never to the world’s standards. Determine that it’s preferable to upset your fellow humans in order to keep from offending the Lord.