REPRINT OF JANUARY 23, 2023
Everywhere you look, there is hatred and evil. Sinful lifestyles are big business in the entertainment industry. The news is riddled with shootings and murders. There are wars and injustice in the world. This is not a new scenario. From the first murder of Abel by his brother Cain, the pattern of evil has carried on. When sin came into the world it grew into the monster it is today and continues to devour.
And evil begets evil. After the terrorist attack of 9/11, the homicide rate grew by 20% in a year. Between 2019 and 2020 the United States homicide rate rose 30% as a terrified country muddled through the unknowns of COVID19. Mass shootings are not only frequent, but they have become a common occurrence. A country that once felt safe is no longer. It seems that instead of one nation under God, there are too many that prefer to play god in a very unholy way.
In everyday life, the Christian is called to take a stand— even in the face of great evil. Without the salt and light that Christ in us provides, the dark monster will continue to grow. Too many teachers are no longer examples to our children as many embrace the world and its values. Your next-door neighbor may boldly live a lifestyle contrary to scriptural principles and fight for his right to do so. Good is considered evil and evil is seen as good. It leaves the Christian asking how can I love the unlovable and not feed the monster at the same time?
Jesus walked among sinners. He chose His battles. The evil around Him must have broken His heart. Yet, He loved the world so much that He gave His life for it. If the Christian wishes to truly walk with Jesus, must he be ready to lay down his life, as well? Many in the world have done so and there may come a time in America when that reality is here as well. Until that time, prayerfully choose your battles and love the sinner despite the sin.
It has been recorded that there were verses written on the wall in Mother Teresa’s home for children in Calcutta. These words offer insight into how she looked the monster in the face and held her faith and her commitment to God. Here are those words:
“People are often unreasonable,
irrational, and self-centered. Forgive
them anyway.”
“If you are kind, people may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind
anyway.”
“If you are successful, you will win
some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.”
“If you are honest and sincere people
may deceive you. Be honest and sincere
anyway.”
“What you spend years creating, others
could destroy overnight. Create anyway.”
“If you find serenity and happiness,
some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.”
“The good you do today will often be
forgotten. Do good anyway.”
“Give the best you have, and it will
never be enough. Give your best anyway.”
“In the final analysis, it is between
you and God. It was never between you
and them anyway.”
Do it anyway, Christian.
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