We hear the word evil used a lot today. But what is it really? Evil is anything that draws us away from God, His Truth and His Word. Pure evil is the absence of God’s righteousness and goodness. Therefore, anything that separates us from God is evil. But all too often, we are confused by the flippant use of the term evil. The word evil is used by many to create division and confusion. It is used to try to denote that “one group” is good because it calls another group evil. 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! (Isaiah 5:20). There is a spiritual warfare where evil surrounds us. Yet, the true battleground we must be concerned with is the one within our own hearts.
Jesus said, ‘There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man’ (Mark 7:15,18-23).
When Evil Surrounds
Yes, we find that we are surrounded by evil. But, when we are securely held in Jesus Christ through faith in Him, we need not fear when evil surrounds. We are held securely in His arms. Though they may and do cause us harm in this world, we know that this is not our home. We have an eternal home with Him. Therefore, we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me (Hebrews 13:6).
Jesus prayed to the Father, I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (John 17:15). Here, He was referring to our hearts. He asked that the Father protect our hearts when evil surrounds.
What to Do When Evil Surrounds
We are to pray, Deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13). The evil that I must be delivered from is that within my own heart. When I forget that my greatest treasure is Jesus Christ. Or I fail to recognize my heart’s desire to take the throne. Then, I fail to take up my cross, crucifying my selfish desires. When I allow sin to reign in my life, I allow evil within. But I am helpless to do this, unless I fully recognize that God alone can transform my heart. When I recognize that truth, I will not start my day without spending time alone with Him. I need His Armor to protect me against the evil within my own heart. When evil surrounds and send it fiery darts to pierce my soul, He is my protector and my victory.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day. And having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints
What About Others Who Attack Us?
We are never to repay evil with evil; because, when we do, we become them. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21
That is not that we remain silent; however, instead we are to boldly speak. We are to proclaim the truth of the gospel boldly. “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak (Ephesians 6:19-20). When evil surrounds us, we are to stand boldly proclaiming the truth without allowing evil within our own hearts. We can only do that in the strength of the Lord.
Quotes for Twitter:
[tweetthis]Anything that separates us from God’s perfect will is evil.[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”When we are securely held in Jesus Christ through faith in Him, we need not fear when evil surrounds us nor what others may say about us.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]We are never to repay evil with evil because when we do we become them.[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”The evil that I must be delivered from is that within my own heart. When my selfish desires allow sin to reign in my life, I allow evil within.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]Every Christian must get out and vote November 6, 2018.[/tweetthis]
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Previous Posts Concerning the Lord’s Prayer
One Cry of the Heart: Lead Us Not Into Temptation
How to Really Forgive Others Their Trespasses
Is Your Heart Truly Broken by Your Sin?
What are You Really Asking God For?
Do You Mean It When You Pray Thy Will Be Done?
How to Live in Joyful Expectation of God’s Kingdom
How to Really Honor God: Hallowed Be Thy Name
What is the Significance of Having a Heavenly Father?
Do You Really Know God as Father?
How Important is the Lord’s Prayer?
POEMS
From the Dark of the Night, for Mercy We Cry
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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