Several
weeks ago I enjoyed a campfire in the fragrant pine scented woods of the
Adirondacks with my wife, son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. It was
a “grandfather menu” of hot dogs, chips, s’mores, and other entrées not found
on the approved “parental eating list.” Cut me a break. I am building memories!
In
the process of building the campfire I must have done battle with a sliver of
wood and lost. I was so engaged in the fun, laughter, and pine cone battles,
that I never noticed the splinter. However, the next day the site of the wound
became infected. I asked my daughter-in-law, Kristine, for a needle and was
about to perform surgery on the site to eradicate the source of the infection.
Just as I was about to launch into the process, Kristine interrupted, “What are
you doing?” I thought it was obvious and gave her a father-in-law look of,
“What does it look like?” She proceeded to inform me that the unsterilized
needle was going to make matters worse. I hated to admit it but she was correct.
So I altered my planned “surgery,” held the needle over a lighted match, and
then poured peroxide she provided over my improvised scalpel and site of the
wound. Her intervention likely avoided future aggravation from infection caused
by an impetuous intention. Using a defiled instrument to remove a source of
infection is a poor plan. In removing one ill, a person is likely to introduce
the germs of another.
In
a similar way we are sometimes foolish in dealing with evil in our world by resorting
to evil. In seeing injustices, violence,
hatred, and a myriad of other sins in our world, we can become so agitated and
distressed in our spirits that we lash out with responses that are more evil
than righteous. Words of disrespect, hatred, and distain may flow from us,
rather than words of Christ-like grace, mercy, and encouraging correction. Perhaps
we unleash attitudes of hatred, bitterness, and revenge in our lives, instead
of godly qualities of love. As described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-6, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast,
it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not
self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does
not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” Our actions sometimes reflect
that we have reduced evil infected people to the status of enemies responding
with deeds intended to damage, destroy, or defame the perpetrators.
The
Bible portrays a better way to deal with evil. Paul admonishes people who are
true followers of Christ, having given their lives to be controlled by Him
(Romans 12:1-2), to “not repay anyone evil for evil” (12:17), to “not take
revenge” (12:19), and to “not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”
(12:21). You might respond, “But that is not natural!” You would be completely
correct. Such a reaction is supernatural and requires God to work in and
through lives to produce and display such a response.
Think
how many problems in our world would be dramatically altered if we did not
resort to the defiled instruments of evil we too often deploy to counter evil in
our world. How many marriages would be restored if a partner who was treated in
an evil way responded with Christ-like love? How many editorials in newspapers
and internet blogs would be written differently if a response to evil practices
in our world was responded to not with evil speech, but with “speech that was
seasoned with grace” (Colossians 4:5-6)? How many neighborhood disputes would
be settled, not before a District Magistrate, but by the Ultimate Judge who has
already issued directives, provided guidance,
and revealed principles in the Word of God to guide life lived in an
evil world (Proverbs 3:5-6). The point is, too often it appears that those who
have the best intention of dealing with evil are employing instruments of evil
to do so.
The
alternative approach of dealing with evil with evil is to “overcome evil with
good.” Many years ago evangelist D. L. Moody while involved in a Sunday School
ministry to children in Chicago was threatened bodily harm by three men. Moody
addressed this evil with good and said, “Look here, give a fellow a chance to
say his prayers, won’t you?” They allowed him to do so. Moody prayed for these
men so earnestly that they exited the room and left Mood unscathed. He was simply putting into practice
the admonition of Jesus, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27).
Evil
in our world needs to be addressed. Let us not do so with evil, but with God-motivated
and God-enabled good. To do less will most likely make evil situations worse.
Jesus illustrated how to deal with evil, didn’t he? At the cross when he was
insulted, he did not retaliate with threats (1 Peter 2:23). When crucified on the
cross he prayed for those who crucified him (Luke 23:34). What a model of how
to deal with evil! Overcome evil with good! There will be plenty of
opportunities to do so in this world infected with evil. Will we?
