Whether the concepts of right and wrong, good and evil, or righteousness and sin are accepted or not, they determine all behavior whose foundations are found in scripture. The world as I write is struggling to understand the turmoil that is engulfing major portions of the globe and causing death, the maiming of people, and destruction of property. People are at a loss to understand the problem and won’t accept that the solution is to follow God. All types of solutions are suggested and tried but none are working.

Paul wrote in Ephesians the following about the type of fight we face daily and the way for Christians to fight the evil all around us. [Eph 6:11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [Eph 6:12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [Eph 6:13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Several truths are contained in Paul’s words: the devil is wily; the fight is against powers, rulers of darkness; and spiritual wickedness in high places.

In other words, there are those who are serving the devil, sin, and unrighteousness from their positions of power and authority. They promote everything but that which is pleasing to God. Paul said the remedy is the armour of God which can withstand the devil. Then he wrote in verses 14-17 [Eph 6:14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [Eph 6:15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [Eph 6:16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [Eph 6:17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: The word of God is the sword to use on the wicked promoting spiritual wickedness. Jesus used the word when Satan promised him the world. [Luke 4:8] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.  The devil left after being admonished by the Lord.

 All around us today there are efforts being made by the wicked to deny the uttering of the word of God in public for fear that there be someone present who might be offended. When those who believe in God fail to stand up for what they believe when the opportunity presents itself in both the private and public arena, then wickedness is being served. There are those who complain that to mention God or to express belief is forcing beliefs on others. Is it not strange that those so claiming take no notice that they are forcing their wishes on others?

Jesus told his followers the following: [Mat 5:13] Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [Mat 5:14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [Mat 5:15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [Mat 5:16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Whom shall you follow when deciding what to do regarding the Word of the God when you are told that the words are offensive?  For a committed Christian the answer is obvious; and for the wishy-washy, they will serve evil and wickedness when bowing to the ungodly forces.

There is no in between when serving God and withstanding evil. Paul told Timothy:  [2 Tim 4:2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. [2 Tim 4:3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [2 Tim 4:4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

That is what we see occurring today. People would rather serve evil than fight it for their eternal well being. No one can hide from God as the Hebrew writer tells us: Heb 4:12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. What is your intent? Is it to server God or serve evil? There isn’t any in between.

© 05-05-2006 DEC

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