Do not be overcome by evil!
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans Chapter 12, tells them, “Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Later on, in the same chapter, this disciple of Christ states these words, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
In today’s world one can so easy be lured into doing evil, while following the distorted mindset of many in our modern society, who wish to have you believe they are promoting something good. Even within the Christian community evil acts are being masked as doing good and showing love to others in the same way Christ showed love towards those He ministered to.
Time and time again Universities, church bodies, companies, clergy, and other individuals, who profess to uphold the Christian faith and Christ-centered values are openly supporting radically evil agendas. The promotion of same sex marriages, homosexuality, gender transformations, abortion, and socialism/Marxism is being passed off as a show of love for our neighbor. In reality, dear saints, these things are an abomination against what God’s Word says and Jesus taught. Those who are trying to make evil look good will twist God’s Word in an attempt to justify their beliefs. An example would be when Jesus was ministering to the woman caught in the act of adultery. Yes, Jesus may not have condemned her to a punishment of death for her sin, but He also did not condone her actions. He (Jesus) sent her away with the command, “Go and sin no more”.
Recently, I received alarming information on a Lutheran founded company that I have supported and been involved in for 42 years. The company professes to operate under Christian values, yet their ongoing actions and character do not portray a very favorable Christian message. Here is one example of evil that they are promoting as good.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report 2022
“DEI helps increase awareness and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community by creating an environment where everyone can be their best authentic selves.” The company/organization has also turned their back on Lutherans for Life because they see them as too radical of an organization. This is WOKE thinking in full motion!
In the book of Ephesians, we are given these words by Paul concerning those who would try to deceive us. “Sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper for the saints”. He goes on to say, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not become partners with them”.
I believe what Jesus would have us do, as His disciples, is to love one another enough to help each other see the error of our ways, move us to repent, and then stop the sinful actions we are carrying out in our lives. Now that is true love in the eyes of God. There is a quite often used statement that I believe could apply here: "People who stand for nothing will fall for anything". So stand firm on the Word of God and be not led astray! Pastor McCarty