Understanding Evil

Encountering Evil

Posted on October 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon the life experiences that you have encountered over the years, you may or may not understand evil. Unfortunately, when the public education system in America kicked God and prayer out of the classroom in the 1960’s, new levels of evil are unleashed daily upon this country. If you do not possess spiritual lenses for identifying and making sense of evil, you’ll blame the victims of evil and not the spiritual source for these unfortunate events.

For how can I go up to my father if the lad is not with me?—lest I witness the woe and the evil that will come upon my father, Genesis 44:34.

Based upon the words of Moses in Genesis 38:1-30, Judah experienced a series of curses which many individuals would call a string of bad luck. Moses points to Judah’s choice for a wife as the starting point, emphasizing good looks over godly character. Two of Judah’s sons have their lives cut struck due to evil behavior. While modern readers of Genesis 38 may wonder, what’s wrong with this, each failed to follow God’s commands and decrees.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. ¹¹Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. ¹²For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere, Ephesians 6:10-12.

Subsequently, as he realizes the wrongdoing of his past, Judah pleads with the governor of Egypt to consider the promise and vow made to his father. Judah’s emotional plea is rewarded in Genesis 45 as Jospeh reveals his true identity. This Old Testament story reminds me of the words of the apostle Paul in the passage above. Paul touches on the real source of evil. While the Devil wants you to place the blame on other human beings, encountering evil starts with invisible forces in the spiritual realm. May today’s blog open your eyes the next time you encounter evil.

by Jay Mankus

Posted on November 11, 2017 by expressyourself4him

As someone who has grown to love history, you can likely predict what will happen in the future based upon previous events. Although past civilizations may have possessed good intentions, the temptation for control, fame and power has a way to side track the most disciplined individuals. Subsequently, enticement opens the door for evil to corrupt formerly innocent souls. This shocking reality is where understanding evil begins.

The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time, Genesis 6:5.

In the years leading up to the biblical flood, a spirit of wickedness spread throughout the earth. While specific acts aren’t mentioned, murder, violence and war are assumed based upon the accounts within Genesis 4. As human beings gave into every kind of inclinations, cravings, desires and feelings, hearts became set on evil. Without any voice of truth holding people accountable, humanism was conceived by doing what’s right in your own eyes.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! – Isaiah 5:20

Today, a similar culture exists where absolutes are considered old-fashioned, stale and not worth the hassle to follow. When rules become lax in any society, integrity, morality and values tend to decline. If this trend continues for years or decades, you can easily recognize this in day to day interactions. This environment allows evil to enter souls through compromise. When confronted by an authority figure, evil is often discarded by justifying and rationalizing behavior.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs, 1 Timothy 6:10.

When it comes to explaining the New York City terrorist attack with a dump truck, some are inspired by extreme religious beliefs. Mass shootings like in Las Vegas and the small church outside of San Antonio, Texas typically reveal some sort of troubled past. Like a fuse waiting to go off, evil takes over at some point, paralyzing the human conscience. This sets the stage for disaster. Until conviction, truth and revival return, evil will continue to reign throughout segments of society. Only when souls ask God to return can evil be defeated. May the presence of evil today inspire individuals to open their hearts to Jesus, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

ExpressYourself4Him

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Encountering Evil