Ah ha Moment

I have another one liner here.  And this one is from the Bible itself.  I'm not sure whether to consider it almost an afterthought or a summary of the preceding verses, but after Paul paints a detailed picture of the Christian life in Romans 12, he makes a closing statement in verse 21:  Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.  

Throughout the chapter, Paul teaches what is expected of us, what our walk on this earth should look like.  And then he admonishes us to overcome the evil around us by being a blessing.  And just this one verse flicked a switch for me.  What about overcoming the evil inside as well?  Do I not need to overcome the evil within me in order to walk the walk Paul tells us about? 

So many  times when someone acts or doesn't act according to my plan, my way of thinking I lash out in some way.  Whether it's with words of complaint and criticism or digging in my heals and refusing to fix someone else's mess, I react in a negative way, usually out of pride or self preservation instead of following Jesus' example of humility and love. 

Ah ha!  Overcome evil by doing good!  Well, maybe if I do good to those who do wrong, I overcome the evils of pride and rebellion in my own heart....hmmmm.  What an interesting and enlightening thought.  If I answer kind with kind, like with like....evil overcomes me.  I start looking and acting just like the world around me....a dull and dim light to be sure, unflavored and useless to God's kingdom and work.  But if I, by the power of the Holy Spirit, respond with Christ's love, the darkness in my own heart becomes light and peace, and the love of God shines on all who see my actions.  He is glorified.  I am at peace. 

Matthew 5:13-16  You are the salt of the earth.  but what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?  Can you make it salty again?  It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.  You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. 

I love this verse!  I love when God does this! 

Lord, I know You are patient and loving.  I know You take the time wot work with Your children, leading, molding.  Thank You for Your loving heart, Your patient ways.  I am a slow learner.  I love Your Word.  Help us to grow!!  Remind us often of Your desire for us, remind us of Your Word so that it may change our hearts and lives.  Give us an obedient spirit.  In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Memorize Romans 12:21 today.