Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
Friday evening, we were all jolted by the news coming out of Paris. The pictures and accounts made us face the reality and the wanton callousness of evil. The attacks in Paris are hardly the worst example of evil, only the latest. There are thousands, millions more who suffer daily because of evil, whether on a large scale or a more personal one, whose stories do not make the evening news. In the aftermath, many tears will be shed, and many words offered in an attempt to comfort, and many people will give pause to consider the problem of evil.
The intellectuals will study and offer scholarly analysis and ideas. If we just knew more, we wouldn’t be evil.
The economists will propose systems and stopgaps. If we just had more economic opportunity, we wouldn’t be evil.
The politicians will tout new legislation and programs. If we just had more laws, and more systems in place we wouldn’t be evil.
The only solution to evil in the world is the same solution to the evil in my own heart–the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Because of this, I pray all the more fervently:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
(There will be no post next Thursday. Thanksgiving Day blessings on you and yours.)