The Audacity of Evil

Evil has abounded on earth for as long as men have walked it. Murders, whoredoms, corruption, and so much more plagued people in Bible times and plague us now. We find in today's world, though, that the lines are running together--there seems to be more gray for people than black and white. Most of us know to not murder our brother or steal from our neighbor, but some people give little thought before killing their neighbor's reputation through unsubstantiated gossip, or cheating on their income tax.

Some evil is so subtly disguised that it often appears to be good on the surface. Usually, the perpetrators of such things are counting on the fact that you will believe the outer presentation without digging any deeper.

We are living in times when we have to be extremely cautious. Most adults know that gangs are evil and would never join one; but, what about a "gang" at work or in your community who encourage you to break the Sabbath to go to a barbecue, or tell you that the words of a song, or content of a 'R' rated movie won't hurt you.

"...evil will befall you in the latter days:..." (Deuteronomy 31:29)

Jesus has promised to return someday and rid the earth of evildoers. No one knows exactly when that will be, but the signs we are given in scripture have been happening all around us. And because Jesus warned us and told us the signs, we know His return is soon.

There are those who will lie to us and flatter us, using our insecurities and fears to lead us like puppets to their fold, until we realize too late that we are enslaved and bound by their will because we didn't take the time to investigate the truth. They will take your money and your free will, all the while telling you that it's for the greater good; and, then, the day will come that you will realize, probably too late, the greater good of which they spoke was their own pockets and power.

We've said it before, but it bears repeating: Pray always, pray without ceasing, that you may not be deceived:

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" (Ephesians 4:14)

Jesus will come again. Know His teachings, rely on His word -- they may be all that will protect you when cunning men try to deceive and lead you away. His return will be cheered by the righteous and feared by the wicked. No matter how difficult the future becomes, we have nothing to fear if we have faith in God and fight evil.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)