Overcome!

Overcome!

Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good. Romans 12:21 AMPC

Context and Charge:

It appears that a lot of our recent reflections have required some soul-searching, to see where we fit into the grand plan laid out in those verses. Today, we again see a verse that demands a particular reaction or response from me. We live in a world that is completely surrendered to sin; we read and see the depth of man's inhumanity to fellow men. It is hard to explain how much evil is permissible and even excusable in the world we are today. The devil is is charge of the world's affairs, and man keeps developing even more devillish ways to hurt himself, yet God demands that I live in such a world, and be able to show off his nature and power. This identity is key; the demand in the verse is not for those who have not submitted their lives to God. God will not force Himself on any man; we must come to Him of our own freewill. 

If I am to really live out the words of today's verse, I need to define a key term, which is 'overcome'. It means to 'succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.' This tells me that you cannot speak of overcoming without a challenge. There must be very dire situations, or maybe some very unpalatable circumstances which would require me to apply God's help and wisdom to navigate. I cannot boast of victory without a fight. I can't say I am able to give counsel or advice on a situation I have not been able to master. The devil remains busy on this side of eternity, seeing to overpower my heart with evil. He knows that what you focus on grows; it does not matter if it is good or bad. To overcome is not to rest on your laurels, however nice they may be, but to keep pressing on and working at it until victory is assured and settled. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Now I have a clear idea of God's expectations from me. It will never be a good excuse that I did evil simply because I had no choice. If I really understand the definition of overcome laid out earlier, I know that I can't let evil win. Yes, it is usally the easier option, because it takes no personal convictions or strength of character to avoid. Evil has power, because it has the backing of the devil. However, good also has power, because it is the nature of God and is backed up by God too. Evil will keep fighting as long as this earth remains, and it is left to those who know God to keep promoting the good that comes from God. The world needs to know that God is good and that He can supply all the strength and wisdom needed to overcome evil with good. It is a decision I must make; good must flow unhindered out of me if I am indeed God's child. This victory is freely available in God. God's time of favour is here.