DaySpring Daily Word of Inspiration: Romans 12:21 – Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Today we look at what affects us and how we respond. There is no secret that we live in troubled times. Evil deeds, selfish ambition, and deviant behavior are the norm in some of the places we live, frequent or know about. It is an overwhelming pressure to stand out and be different when even our daily media pushes sexuality and careless living in our faces. So how do you combat the very nature of what the enemy is using to orchestrate confusion in our lives? The blinders are on and he has kept us or is keeping us caught up in thinking that this is normal living and we should not only tolerate it but joint in or we’ll be seen as the outcasts.
There is only one way to make darkness disappear from situation and life; that is by adding light to it! Think about it, whenever you walk into a dark room of your house, down an unlit alley, or any place that’s dark, what is the first thing you look for? Light! Now unfortunately our human light sources don’t allows provide the most security but they do what is more important – allow us to see what is going on around us. It allows us to see where we’re going and hopefully avoid pitfalls, traps and other obstacles. The same can be said of Christ. When we add God’s principles, teachings, and his very nature to our lives, we are able to see the evil around us and subsequently avoid falling due to unseen obstacles. When we let the light of Christ shine through us, we are able to overshadow a multitude of evil. The beauty in having God’s light emanating from us is that it allows others to be able to see also. In a world full of evil, how wonderful do you think the light of Christ would be to someone who is looking, longing and desiring something different? The sad truth is that everyone will not be looking for this light but it is our job and duty to shine for those that are looking!
Our good acts (as directed by Christ) help us to signify that although we live in evil times, we are not under those rules. We are not consumed by the evilness of this world but as we have Christ dwelling in us, we are able to do the good he would have us to do – allowing us to stand out, be different and shine for others to see that their evil deeds can be overcome by adding Christ (light) to their lives.
As we meditate on this passage, let us take to heart the reality that we aren’t to be Christians defeated by the evil around us but we are to be an encouragement; a beacon of light that overpowers the wants and desires of the flesh with the good deeds, spirit and attributes of Christ dwelling in us. Our ability to do God’s work with good intentions, faith, and obedience is hope for those who have been defeated by the evil of this world. We can’t afford to show others anything less because this is what we already live in and most of us are used to anyways.
Make the decision to overcome your evil with the goodness of Christ TODAY! It could be the difference between someone staying overcome by evil and someone seeing the where to go by the light of Christ living in you! You are powerful in Christ; now conquer to evil of this world so others might see Christ power and be conquers as well! In Jesus’ name, AMEN!