Evil is Alive and Well

“Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.” Romans 12:21 HCSB

“He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”
― Saint Francis of Assisi

Other Bible translations say, “Do not be overcome by evil,” which I appreciate and thoroughly believe. However, sometimes conquer describes what we must do with evil, with the Holy Spirit’s help. We Black Sheep, Scapegoats, Ne’er-do-wells, dysfunctional, rageaholics, workaholics, addicted, and downright ornery know it’s conquering evil that must be done inside first. Not another. Not a group. Not our family. EVIL. It starts within the heart. James said, “Desire gives birth to sin.” Who’s desire?

I believe in God, so, I know Evil exists. Evil “disguises itself as an angel of light,” and is a “Liar” and a “Murderer,” too. How many addictions have we adopted looking for happiness and security, how many people have we carbon-copied, how many positive-thinking gurus have we devotedly followed, and how many quick fixes have blown up in our faces? By the way, regular people do this too. Evil is a “roaring lion” looking for someone to devour. Christ’s disciples were not immune, therefore, neither am I and neither are you.

To conquer evil, we must put on the “breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation” and “draw near to God and He will draw near to us.” He conquers if we let him. Invite him. Trust him. Partner with Him. We don’t go it alone.

Musings

The most loving, uplifting, encouraging people in my life were very damaged people, and much of it was not their fault. They aren’t perfect yet but they exude courage, honesty, hope, wisdom and faith. They are always willing to help. We overcome Evil with Good. We know Who is Good and need to keep our focus there.

Prayer

Holy Father,

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” was Paul’s instruction to believers. He was very damaged until his road trip to Damascus. He was a legalist who wrote the most beautiful description of love in the Bible. We have our Damascus roads too that introduced us to Your love and mercy.  

Only Christ is the true conqueror of every evil thing. Thank you, Father, that this is true for us. Give us the courage and strength to imitate You. Help us to go boldly

Amen.