Shun Evil
The wicked conceive evil; they are pregnant with trouble and give birth to lies.
They dig a deep pit to trap others, then fall into it themselves.
The trouble they make for others backfires on them. The violence they plan falls on their own heads. (Psalm 7:14-16 NLT).
They dig a deep pit to trap others, then fall into it themselves.
The trouble they make for others backfires on them. The violence they plan falls on their own heads. (Psalm 7:14-16 NLT).
David once cried out to God: "Search me, O God, and know my heart . . . see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (the path of everlasting life). (Psalm 139:23-24).
The transparency of David always fascinates and challenges me. He lives with the tension of humanity relating to a Holy God. To keep the purity of that relationship, He invites God to search his heart and point out anything in him that offends God.
It is very easy for us to project external piety but remain totally rotten within.
Our lives could be filled with lies and conception of evil to harm others who treat us badly.
But the Psalmist reminds us in the above Scripture that when we dig a pit for others, we can fall into it ourselves. When we make trouble for others, it can backfire on us.
Given all the wickedness around us, it is very possible for us to act wickedly. We can be easily prone to wicked acts when we are offended and do not have our way in situations. We should never underestimate the reality of transitioning from righteousness to wickedness.
The result is usually disillusionment and misery.
So like David, let's genuinely ask God to search our hearts and point out any hidden wickedness in us. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can consciously shun evil. Shun evil.
The transparency of David always fascinates and challenges me. He lives with the tension of humanity relating to a Holy God. To keep the purity of that relationship, He invites God to search his heart and point out anything in him that offends God.
It is very easy for us to project external piety but remain totally rotten within.
Our lives could be filled with lies and conception of evil to harm others who treat us badly.
But the Psalmist reminds us in the above Scripture that when we dig a pit for others, we can fall into it ourselves. When we make trouble for others, it can backfire on us.
Given all the wickedness around us, it is very possible for us to act wickedly. We can be easily prone to wicked acts when we are offended and do not have our way in situations. We should never underestimate the reality of transitioning from righteousness to wickedness.
The result is usually disillusionment and misery.
So like David, let's genuinely ask God to search our hearts and point out any hidden wickedness in us. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can consciously shun evil. Shun evil.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, please throw your searchlight on my heart today. Help me to acknowledge any form of ungodliness in me so I can repent. I ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen.