Evidence of Evil
Most will admit that there are two diametrically opposed forces in the world - good and evil. Some will call the good, God, and the evil, Satan. Others believe these opposing forces are ying and yang, positive and negative, light and dark or just the whole of the human condition. But, I think that all will agree that these two forces are in a struggle to wrest power and dominance over the other. For my purposes here, I will name these forces God and Satan. If Satan is indeed the enemy, and we are in an internal struggle with this enemy, then how do we fight?
Our first step is to identify the enemy; that is, where is he? If we cannot recognize the enemy, then we cannot fight him. Satan does not work against his own army. Those who are part of the world's evil already belong to him. "Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand; and if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?" Matthew 12:25-26 RSV
Therefore, we can identify Satan by who is being attacked. For instance, the Old Testament states that the Hebrews are God's chosen people, and yet throughout history this group of people have been maligned, hated, attacked and ridiculed by nearly every nation and every other religion. If the Hebrew nation were evil - and therefore - of Satan, then how would Satan's kingdom stand? Think back to those nations and religions who persecuted God's purported people. Where were they then, where are they now and what are they still doing? This gives a macro perspective to evil, but the same yardstick can be used at a micro level. Who is being attacked?
The second standard for measuring evil is - what tools or weapons are being utilized? What are the weapons of evil and what are the weapons of good? Which side would utilize weapons of fear, terror, hatred, blame, prejudice and destruction? Conversely, which side would utilize peace, outreach, responsibility, love, kindness, construction and mercy? "You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:16-20 RSV
These two measurement provide a test of evidence of evil. It does exist and his name is Satan.
Our first step is to identify the enemy; that is, where is he? If we cannot recognize the enemy, then we cannot fight him. Satan does not work against his own army. Those who are part of the world's evil already belong to him. "Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand; and if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?" Matthew 12:25-26 RSV
Therefore, we can identify Satan by who is being attacked. For instance, the Old Testament states that the Hebrews are God's chosen people, and yet throughout history this group of people have been maligned, hated, attacked and ridiculed by nearly every nation and every other religion. If the Hebrew nation were evil - and therefore - of Satan, then how would Satan's kingdom stand? Think back to those nations and religions who persecuted God's purported people. Where were they then, where are they now and what are they still doing? This gives a macro perspective to evil, but the same yardstick can be used at a micro level. Who is being attacked?
The second standard for measuring evil is - what tools or weapons are being utilized? What are the weapons of evil and what are the weapons of good? Which side would utilize weapons of fear, terror, hatred, blame, prejudice and destruction? Conversely, which side would utilize peace, outreach, responsibility, love, kindness, construction and mercy? "You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:16-20 RSV
These two measurement provide a test of evidence of evil. It does exist and his name is Satan.
posted by Hepzibah The Watchman | 9:26 AM
3 Comments:
You will know them by their fruits - of course very true.
No one should be a blind follower to someone who shows bad fruits, no matter who that person is....
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
I love your site and the inspirational thoughts provided. I have read a few of your articles before responding. I found my self relaxing in comfort by it. Please keep it up. I believe that the power of words when used in the right way can move mountains, that is exactly what you are doing one message at a time. May God bless you and keep you true to His words.
Dear Anyonymous -
Thank you for your word of encouragement. May God bless you indeed.
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