Pervasiveness of Evil: Guard Your Heart - Part 3

Evil has the capacity to invade every area of life, as it did for Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Human beings seem to have a propensity toward evil. Although we don't like to discuss it, it’s obvious that evil is a major contender for the heart and soul of every person.

Numbers 25 relates how Israel turned away from God and toward evil. Listen to The Living Bible. "While Israel was camped at Acacia, some of the young men began going to wild parties with the local Moabite girls. These girls invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods. Before long all of Israel was joining freely in the worship of Baal, and the anger of the Lord turned hot against them." Isn’t it amazing how the young people influenced the adults?

It's apparent that guarding one's heart and soul against evil is a lifetime endeavor. As you begin this new year, turn your heart, your soul, your behaviors, as well as your love and affection toward Christ Jesus. What better way to secure God’s blessings? Happy New Year.  

Battling Evil Assaults: Allied with God - Part 3

It may seem that God turns his back on evil. A governor once said video poker had stolen the soul of many people in his state. He spoke of a mother who left a newborn infant in her car for ten hours to play this game. The infant died from dehydration and heat. Evil is any addiction that captures your thoughts, heart, soul, and mind.

No one is beyond the influence of evil. Have you this day been tempted by evil or engaged in evil behavior or thoughts? Jesus reminds you in Matthew 6:13 to be constantly on the alert less you be led into temptation and into the hands of Satan. He specifically tells us to pray and ask God  "not to lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

Surviving the onslaught of evil requires letting God do his work in you by filling you with his power and courage. Ephesians 6:14 directs you to constantly keep on the breastplate of righteousness to prevent the fiery darts of Satan from penetrating your life. The nudging of the Holy Spirit enables you to keep making this choice.  

Battling Evil Assaults: Allied with God - Part 2

God never overlooks an assault of evil on anyone. Evil is the enemy of each person called to serve Christ, so survival depends on our willingness to repudiate the assaults of evil. Choose to overcome evil by permitting God to empower you with his Spirit. God does battle with evil by being your defense when Satan attacks.

It sounds absurd to hesitate to choose God as an ally in the battle against evil. Yet evil doesn't always appear dangerous to our spiritual, emotional, or physical well-being. Evil can be deceptive by appearing as a "wolf in sheep's clothing." Ephesians 6:11 tell us how to stand against evil. "Put on the full armor of God so you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

Facing down and surviving evil with integrity requires your full participation. Face the truth about evil for the truth will set you free. Christ Jesus empowers you with clarity of mind and his presence for choosing what will save you from evil. It's not too late to make that choice.  

Battling Evil Assaults: Allied with God - Part 1

While the accumulation of seemingly trivial instances of evil will threaten our integrity, we're often encouraged to overlook little offenses and treat them as insignificant. No offense of evil is insignificant, for these offenses chip away at our integrity by corroding our conscience. A corroded conscience proceeds to become disconnected from God, and from those who love us.

Romans 12:21 commands us to "not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." These words warn us we're vulnerable to evil's influence and power. Evil's strategy may not be a frontal attack, but rather a subtle infiltration of the conscience. Shading the truth with half-truths or white lies may seem harmless but will damage your integrity.

Overcoming evil with good in order to survive spiritually necessitates choosing Christ Jesus to be a part of your entire life. When tempted by evil, no matter how seemingly trivial, ask Jesus to empower you with the courage to do what is good and pleasing in God's sight. With his guidance and assistance you will succeed.