Evil Doers

We live in a society where evil seems to be worshiped and righteousness seems to be abased.  The wicked seem to prosper and the righteous seem to have most of the problems and are the outcasts of society.  But if you think about it, it has always been that way.  If you think about the Jews, God’s chosen people, they have always been the outcasts of the world, so we believers are in good company.  

Now think about Jesus, He was considered an outcast also and a blasphemer and a liar.  Have you ever heard this statement, “The fruit doesn’t fall too far from the tree?”  Well think of this, Jesus is the vine and the born-again believers are the branches.  In John 15:17-21 it says this “This is my command: Love each other.  If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.  As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.  That is why the world hates you.  Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.  If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.  They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.”

Christians will be hated and mistreated by the ungodly but they should find a safe haven in the body of Christ where there should be love for one another.  I realize that many believers weren’t taught what the price would be when they became a believer in Christ.  It is true salvation is free and you can do nothing to receive it but repent of your sins.  The Holy Spirit had to convict you of sin or you never would have repented in the first place.  But to live a faithful Christian life it will cost you something, possibly your life.  Let me say this, it is not easy to love your enemies, sometimes it seems like many have a struggle with loving other believers, but we have the power to do that and we are also commanded to do that very thing.

I think of the Old Testament stories at times when I am thinking about this subject and it seems like in King David’s day it was easier to live a godly life because you didn’t have to love your enemies.  It was a time that an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth was the law but when Jesus came He said, “I have not come to do away with the law, but to fulfill the law.”  The eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth was done away with and loving your enemies was put in place and that has to be our response toward the wicked.  

Many people are angry with the President and many of those in his cabinet, with good reason; did you know this, in Psalms 7:8-11 it says this, “The Lord judges the nations.  Declare me righteous, O Lord, for I am innocent, O Most High!  End the evil of those who are wicked, and defend the righteous.  For you look deep within the mind and heart, O righteous God.  God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right.  God is an honest judge.  He is angry with the wicked every day.”

Jesus was angry when He was cleaning the Temple of ungodly practices, but in His anger He did not sin, He had a righteous anger over injustices and so should we, if we are believers, but remember this, we should hate the sin but love the sinner.  Remember this verse in the Word in Ephesians 6:12, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

The wicked are being manipulated by satan and his demon helpers who constantly try to destroy the church and everything that is holy and righteous, but praise the Lord, we know the end of the story and we win in the end, so hang in there and never give up!  Because the wicked seem to prosper, some of the righteous seem to be envious and downright jealous. 

Let’s read some of what King David had to say about this subject.  In Psalms 37:1-10 it says this:

“Don’t worry about the wicked

or envy those who do wrong.

For like grass, they soon fade away.

Like spring flowers, they soon wither.

Trust in the Lord and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the Lord,

and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Commit everything you do to the Lord.

Trust him, and he will help you.

He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,

and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the Lord,

and wait patiently for him to act.

Don’t worry about evil people who prosper

or fret about their wicked schemes.

Stop being angry!

Turn from your rage!

Do not lose your temper—

it only leads to harm.

For the wicked will be destroyed,

but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.

Soon the wicked will disappear.

Though you look for them, they will be gone.”

There is so much more in this Psalm and I suggest that you look it up and read and study the whole chapter.  I think it would be a great way for you to get encouraged, especially if you have been discouraged over the events of the last few days.  And like I said yesterday, pray for your leaders, they are not beyond God’s reach and God loves them even in their sin and He wants to set them free.  My question is this, do you?  Think about it!  God bless and have a great day!!