“And he said to the human race, ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding,”’ Proverbs 28:28 (NIV). These words, “shun evil” seem archaic in modern culture, but evil must be identified and overcome. A huge mistake in dealing with evil is to focus on the host rather than the source. People can become so overcome by evil, they seem like evil personified, but the source of evil is Satan’s rebellion. People do evil things, but the true enemy is much more insidious. This is critical to understand because even good people, godly people can do evil things. Godly fear is to respect and reverence God above all else, not hide from Him, rebel against Him or revile Him. Love is to honor and obey God as Father and Lord. It is to hate sin but love the sinner. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good,” Romans 12:21 (ESV). O LORD my Redeemer, deliver me from evil and help me love You and others with Your Perfect Love.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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