I wrote this devotional in August 2009...It's very timely for the present day.
Turn away from evil and do what is good...
Psalm 34:14a (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
We live in a world that is becoming increasingly evil. Newspaper headlines and television news broadcasts report criminal activities and scandals daily. It seems that no one has been unaffected by acts of terror and violence.
Even we Christians are not immune to the evils of this world. We are constantly bombarded by temptations to do the wrong thing when God's Word specifically commands us to do the right thing. Today's devotional passage reminds us that we need to turn away from evil and do what is good. But, what does it mean to turn away from evil? I believe that we must turn away from three aspects of evil.
(1) Evil thinking. In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul reminds us to be spiritually minded. That is, we need to set our minds on doing what is right in the sight of God. We also need to avoid thinking about things that are unclean or impure. Maintaining a good, clean mind is the first step to doing the right thing.
(2) Evil speaking. From cursing (using foul language) to talking bad about someone, we must refrain from talking in a negative way. The words we say indeed have an impact on people, whether they be saved or unsaved. Our speech should be a positive reflection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
(3) Evil doing. We need to behave ourselves in a manner that shows non-Christians that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Our Christian conduct is the key that could possibly unlock their hearts and allow them to make a lifelong commitment to Jesus Christ.
When we turn away from evil thinking, speaking, and doing, it will become easier for us to do what is good. The more good we do, the greater the potential for non-Christians to experience God's wonderful love and grace.
Turn away from evil and do what is good...
Psalm 34:14a (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
We live in a world that is becoming increasingly evil. Newspaper headlines and television news broadcasts report criminal activities and scandals daily. It seems that no one has been unaffected by acts of terror and violence.
Even we Christians are not immune to the evils of this world. We are constantly bombarded by temptations to do the wrong thing when God's Word specifically commands us to do the right thing. Today's devotional passage reminds us that we need to turn away from evil and do what is good. But, what does it mean to turn away from evil? I believe that we must turn away from three aspects of evil.
(1) Evil thinking. In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul reminds us to be spiritually minded. That is, we need to set our minds on doing what is right in the sight of God. We also need to avoid thinking about things that are unclean or impure. Maintaining a good, clean mind is the first step to doing the right thing.
(2) Evil speaking. From cursing (using foul language) to talking bad about someone, we must refrain from talking in a negative way. The words we say indeed have an impact on people, whether they be saved or unsaved. Our speech should be a positive reflection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
(3) Evil doing. We need to behave ourselves in a manner that shows non-Christians that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Our Christian conduct is the key that could possibly unlock their hearts and allow them to make a lifelong commitment to Jesus Christ.
When we turn away from evil thinking, speaking, and doing, it will become easier for us to do what is good. The more good we do, the greater the potential for non-Christians to experience God's wonderful love and grace.
