Profound immorality
The word ‘evil’ even sounds evil. The Web defines it as ‘profound immorality and wickedness, especially when regarded as a supernatural force’. As an adjective, it means ‘profoundly immoral and wicked’. Nothing good in those descriptions. Certainly, it is the opposite of good. See how much better that sounds. Where does this ‘supernatural force’ emanate? Certainly, it can’t have its source from God. So, where?
Most of us are going to quickly say Satan. And that would be partially correct. It is human nature to want to blame someone outside of us. The blame game started right there in Genesis. Adam blamed Eve, she blamed the serpent and the serpent didn’t have a leg to stand on. But he was used by Satan to bring sin (disobedience to God) into our world. But is that the whole answer? The bedlam and riots that have occurred in our streets recently are not entirely orchestrated by the devil. Although he does fan the flame.
Evil within our hearts
Jesus tells us clearly. It is us, our hearts. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immoralities, theft, false witness, slander” (Mt. 15. 19 ESV). Our first parents wanted to be their own God, and nothing has changed since then. Politicians, religions, wealth; none of these have the answer. And they never will.
Our central text states that we should not be overcome by evil, but we should overcome it with good. Jesus said there was no one good except God. That is absolutely true. We as believers must sit at our good Father’s feet daily in order to confess, repent, receive his goodness and overcome the evil in our own heart—and then the evil in the world.
