Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good. Romans 12:21 AMPC
The heart's focus helps to make daily choices. Daily choices lead to lifestyle choices. Lifestyle choices lead to eternal destinies. Everything that is of eternal value starts with an understanding of the things not mostly seen or tangible: a commitment to do good, to obey God, to love other people, to serve as best as you can. None of these decisions can be 'seen' or 'touched', but there is no doubt that a life with all the above in place will always stand out.
You do not stumble upon a Godly decision by error. It is the product of a consistent lifestyle of seeking to know God's mind on any matter and being careful to obey. Today's extract charges us not to be overcome by evil. The only way this works is to be so full of good that evil has no place in you. Output is always a function of input; you cannot shortchange or game the process. With God, being smart means nothing if it does not result in a life that blesses other people.
If I will overcome evil with good, I must know and have good in me. God alone is the One called good; no man by himself is able to sustain much good. Life will deal you all sorts of hands; it will serve up all sorts of experiences, but the one thing I must keep doing is seeking good. How can I do this: it is by knowing and following the one called Good. You see, nothing can sustain good like Good Himself. He is the One who supplies strength in the face of pressure; he gives grace in the face of grave pain. If I do not have Him, I may not last the distance.
As I submit to God, I become a master of my emotions. I may not be able to control the situation, but I can control how I react. By submitting to God, I become a master of situations and circumstances. That is the secret to mastering evil with good. So, who is the master? Who are you submitting to? When pressure comes, what flows out of you? Questions, with answers that will reverberate through eternity. His time of favour is here.
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