Overcomer

Once again we have been painfully reminded of the evil and corruption that is a part of our world. Sadly, a quick scan of the news shows us how bad humans are to one another. The world, and strangely enough most believers, are left wondering what, if anything, can be done. Some advocate more laws, more government and more money to be spent on this or that program in order to combat the horror of the day.

     But is that what the Word of God tells us? How can we defeat evil? We can start overcoming evil by doing good. The apostle Paul was very explicit in this when writing to the Romans: 'Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To

the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink: for by doing so you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.' Romans 12:17-21

     It really doesn't get much clearer than that, does it? It's not through government, wars, grandstanding, name-calling, or blame-games that evil is defeated - it's by doing good. One of my all-time favorite authors wrote that 'Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.' - J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

     Being kind to each other - those we know, as well as those we do not know - will combat more evil that the most powerful weapon man has yet to devise. Of course the greatest, yet simplest, act of kindness and love we can do for anyone is sharing the Gospel. There have been some dark and downright bizarre times in history, and often they paralleled a neglect of the Gospel by believers. It is only through the transforming power of the Gospel that any of us have any hope. It is only through the transforming power of the Gospel that can make bad people good, that a society can be changed. The Gospel is the light that scatters the darkness.

 - Ray Perdue  //  Men's Ministry Director