There
are two opposing forces in the world: good and evil. Every decision that we
ever make fits under one of those two categories. The Word of God is dedicated
to this topic, and shows us both the rewards and pitfalls inherent in them.
When
we keep company with people bent on evil, they corrupt any good that is in us
(1 Corinthians 15:33). The result of evil is always negative consequences. We unfortunately
reap the destruction that we sow, and we forfeit God's rewards (Genesis 2:17).
When
we pursue good, we reap eternal life, honor and immortality; yet, if we succumb
to the temptations of selfish ambition, and we disregard the grace of God, we
reap the unrighteous harvest of God's wrath and indignation (Romans 2:6-8).
The
real problem comes in when we start to think of evil as good, and good as evil.
We get confused about the difference between the basic concepts of darkness and
light, and sweet and bitter (Isaiah 5:20).
However,
it is possible to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). The trick is not to
allow our ego and pride to goad us into serving the whims of the desires of our
flesh, the world and the devil; we turn away from evil and honor God instead
(Proverbs 3:7).
As
we experience the trials of life, we learn to exult in them, knowing that they
are teaching us perseverance, hope and encouragement as we see God's hand in
each of them. His love sustains us and His joy is our strength (Romans 5:3-5).
Prayer:
Father
God, help us to forsake evil practices and to walk in Your Spirit as we abide
in You forever (Psalm 37:27). You do not send us temptation, but with each one
that we experience, You promise to always give us a way to escape into
righteous behavior instead (Proverbs 4:27; James 1:13-15). Remind us that as we
walk in Your Spirit, we will not carry out the evil desires of the flesh
(Galatians 5:16-17).
Help
us to seek and to pursue peace, and to depart from evil and to do good instead
(Psalm 34:14). You view every thought, word and action of ours, and reward us
for walking in Your ways (Proverbs 15:3). We never want to grieve You by making
excuses for sin and harshly judging those who walk in righteousness (Proverbs
17:15). We want to lift You up - higher and higher.
Thought
for the Day:
Most
evil done in the world is perpetuated by wounded souls who need Jesus to heal
their past, and to give them hope for the future; this develops in them a soul,
which is more willing and able to act benevolently, selflessly, charitably and
compassionately.
