Good Versus Evil

Good Versus Evil

The Scripture is from Lesson 019 in Getting To Know Jesus – Volume 02

John 3:19-21 – 19 “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

One thing is for certain – There is an evil and there is a good. Our challenge is to recognize good and do it and to recognize evil and avoid it. We also must recognize that God defines good and evil, not man. We must learn to live by and obey God if we are going to be people who do good. Evil is disobedience to God. It brings an eternal separation from God.

I’ve been talking about the mosque at Ground Zero. I consider it to be a trophy to those who did evil by destroying 3,000 lives on 9/11/2001. Although not all Muslims are evil, the Muslim religion advocates violence against non-Muslims and those who practice such violence are evil. Even moderate Muslims refuse to condemn the actions of those militant extremist terrorists who murdered so many innocent American civilians. Even in Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and other Muslim dominated countries, Christians are frequently hunted down and murdered because they refuse to convert to Islam. I just got an email from a Pakistani preacher. 72 Christians were murdered, two churches burned and one pastor killed by people whose religion commands such behavior.

In contrast, Christians reach out to others and offer help, love, kindness, not with hatred and murder. Christians are the reason the United States is so benevolent in helping other countries in distress. The first responders to almost every major tragedy or natural disaster on earth are the churches. Christians quickly mobilize, gather resources and go. They don’t force the recipients of their charity to convert.

Christians have never condoned murdering those who disagree with Jesus Christ. When someone goes out and commits murder “in the name of Christ”, they are quickly condemned by almost all other Christians. Instead, we love others and persuade them that Jesus loves them and wants to forgive their sin have a relationship with them. He doesn’t force Himself on others but allows them the freedom to choose to be His disciples.

As Christians, we are a shining light in a dark and evil world. If you know anything about light and dark, you will quickly recognize that the dark cannot overpower or extinguish the light. The light will always be seen, even when it shines in the darkest places. Although Christians live in Muslim countries in constant fear of their lives, they still manage to grow and more come in to take the place of those who were killed. Darkness of Islam will fail. Light of Jesus Christ will prevail.

We must continue to show the world that Jesus Christ makes a difference in us. Our power is not in weapons of war and murder, but in doing what is right in the eyes of God and mankind. We must show the world that evil is evil and good is good. Be a part of the Light. Live your life so that others will look at you and see Jesus living and active in what you say and do.

p.s. If these devotions are touching your life, would you consider a donation to New Hope Gospel Ministries? The best way to contribute is to go to www.gettingtoknowjesus.org and look for the PayPal “Donate” button on the lower right side of the home page. All gifts are tax-deductible. Thank you for partnering with us in presenting the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus Christ to the world.