Mike’s Musings …
Overcoming Evil
Within my lifetime of only seventy-two years, the world’s attitude toward evil has dramatically changed from one of compassion and respect to one that mirrors God’s statement found in Isaiah 5:20: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”
The earliest assassination I recall of a prominent U.S. person was that of President Kennedy. I was in fourth grade, but I remember well how it seemed “the world was coming to an end.” I remember well the horror this nation experienced on 9-11-01. Once again, the sentiment was “the world is coming to an end.” Momentarily, countless numbers turned toward God for “resolution to the evil that was going to destroy the world.” That surge of righteousness was short-lived. It should have continued and grown even to this present day!
I muse now on how different the reactions to “disagreeing voices” are today. It appears an equal proportion of voices rejoice over violence as voices that mourn these senseless actions. But let us be reminded, this is NOT a “new story.”
Righteousness has always been the enemy of those who call evil good, and good evil. (cf. Isa. 5:20) It was this attitude that led to the crucifixion of Christ Jesus. It was this attitude that led to the beheading of James (Acts 12:1-2). It was this attitude that led to Paul’s several imprisonments and, according to secular history, his beheading in Rome. Dear Christian, it is this attitude that could very well lead to your death! (2 Timothy 3:12)
By inspiration, Paul wrote, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) Violence does not overcome evil; doing GOOD does! What better GOOD can be accomplished than serving God according to God’s way – not man’s, but GOD’S way! Overcoming evil is not accomplished by what WE call “good” but what GOD calls “good.” But you ask, “What is good?” Let John answer: “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” (3 John 11) Muse on that powerful reality and make sure YOU are of God (i.e., OBEDIENT TO HIS WORD!) Let Him take care of the objectors.