There is evil in the world. Of course you knew that didn’t you? But to us here in America, despite the cowardly events of September 11, 2001, this evil can still seem “over there somewhere” to us. Surrounded by our nice landscaping, “secure” jobs, and stocked grocery stores, we don’t have to think much about it. After all, deflate-gate, what the Kardashians are up to, and the latest pair of Jordan’s are more fun to think about. Insidiously, our nation and world are overrun with those things that not only dishonor God, but threaten the physical lives of many.
On Memorial Day weekend, as I read the current news and thought through history, I was reminded of how quickly evil can turn from “over there somewhere” to up close and personal. Thank God for the precious sacrifice of so many men and women who died and who were injured to protect us from evil. May the Lord bless them, their families, and their legacy…
But you and I must be prepared to confront evil.
I’m not writing this to sound alarmist or to make anyone paranoid. The facts are the facts. There are people in this world plotting great harm. ISIS is not just going away. They will continue to crucify, throw people from buildings, rape young girls, and impose Sharia law. Boko Haram and other groups the same. China will likely continue its crackdown on Christianity, as it recently did. Extremism will continue to grow unchecked in Europe. Their socio-political beliefs and almost wholesale rejection of the Gospel give it an easy path. Many don’t realize that extremism is growing right here in America as well. Also, inner cities will continue to struggle with gangs and shootings, as we saw devastatingly last weekend in Baltimore and Chicago. But it’s not just there. Quiet towns and suburban areas and even churches will see their share of evil as home, church, and state reject Christ as King more and more. (Did you see the report of the pastor shot in Connecticut while putting out American flags around his church?) With some 100,000 Christians killed yearly for their faith, there is a brutal war on.
To those who have the courage to listen, I say evil must be confronted. Christians must be prepared, not to return evil for evil, but to take just actions to defend life.
How? By changing a mindset. YOU, dear reader, are your own first responder. And to the extent that you are willing, you may also see a responsibility to confront evil if it comes to innocents around you. I know we like to think that everything is ok. It isn’t. As we have rejected God and His laws, lawlessness abounds. Be prepared to preach the Gospel and do so. Also be prepared to repel evil if it encroaches. Be prepared to give, serve, and tangibly bless and do so. Also be prepared to protect your family and innocent lives. Have a plan. Think it through. Don’t just sit there and be a victim.
So…hopefully you had a good Memorial Day weekend, ate a hot dog or a piece of barbecue chicken, and thanked the Lord for selfless defenders! Maybe you even thanked a veteran or a firefighter or a law-enforcement officer. But now maybe consider how YOU will deal with evil if/when it comes...
Luke 22:35-36 ESV And he said to them, "When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing." (36) He said to them, "But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.”
