How to Deal with Evil in the World

This is a dark and dying world.  Evil abounds, unchecked (it feels) at times.  Locally we had 3 young adults commit an armed robbery/murder to rob a man of $24.  We had the horrible mass shooting in Orlando over the weekend.

J.R.R. Tolkien says: "The world is indeed full of peril, and in it are many dark places; but there is still much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater."  Another Tolkien quote is "Some believe it is only great power that con hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found.  I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay.   Small acts of kindness and love."

We are losing.  Christians lament the many cultural changes that have swept over our nation.  We are losing ground daily in our battle for the culture.  To paraphrase Russell Moore in his book Engaging the Culture Without Losing the Gospel "So What?"  We were never called to win a culture war.  We were called to win souls.

What can we do to "Let our Light Shine" in this present age of darkness?  (General warning:  This post will contain many Bible Truths and references.  If that is a concern, please discontinue reading).

1.)  Overcome Evil with Good.  Check out this story coming out of the horrible murder rampage in Orlando. Chik-Fil-a story They got it right.  We need to overcome the darkness in the world with love.  Romans 12:21 says "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  Next time you are tempted to moan and groan about the state of the world, do something to make a difference.

2.) Understand our Enemy.  We are not at war with Radical Islam, Homosexuals, Liberals or anyone else.  Ephesians 6:12 says "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."

3.)  Protect and Prepare Yourself.  En empowering moment in anyone's life comes when we embrace the fact that we cannot change others, only ourselves.  In fighting against injustice, wickedness and evil in the world protect and prepare yourself.  One verse up (Ephesians 6:11) we read " Put on the whole armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."  Take care of your house, your life and your walk with Christ.  Getting yourself right is a big key to helping get the world right.

4.)  Stand Firm and Hold On.  Again quoting from Ephesians "Take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist In the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."  I Thessalonians 5:21-22 tells us to "hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil."

5.) Fear Not.  Hebrews 13:6 encourages us that "The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid.  What will man do to me?"  We (through Christ) win.  Don't be discouraged or fearful. 

Embrace your call to be Salt and Light to a dying world.  We were never called to be Salt and Light to a living and thriving world.  Go out and make a difference today.