Evil Is As Evil Does

This week we have had another senseless riot.  This time it seems that it was over a senseless act by a police officer that ended with a man in custody being dead.  People reacting incorrectly over the way another person acted incorrectly.  On both sides crime was committed.  On both sides evil abounded.  God in His word has some things to say over such actions.  I want to mention a three of them.

1.       God places the authorities in their position of authority (Romans 13:1-7).  In those verses we find out that we are to submit to those authorities because God gave them the authority.  This does not allow for us to react with evil intent when government has lashed out in an evil way.  Which leads to my second point.

2.       Just before the verses mentioned above God makes it clear that we are not to take revenge against those who wrong us (Romans 12:19).  He also makes it clear that we are not to render evil for evil but instead to do good to those who treat us incorrectly (Romans 12:17, 20).  Paul finishes the thought by saying that in obeying God we are overcoming evil with good instead of being overcome by evil.  God clearly states in those verses that we must give place for God to take the revenge (Romans 12:19).  He will do it correctly and thoroughly.

3.       Jesus gave the best example of what not to do when wronged.  Peter tells us what he didn’t do.  When reviled Jesus did not revile back, when he suffered he did not threaten.  Instead, he committed himself to the One will judge the situation (1 Peter 2:21-24).  Remember that this example Jesus gave is one where He was mistreated by governing authorities.

In one Tom Hanks film Hank’s character says “stupid is as stupid does”.  This character’s comment was taught to him by his mother as a reaction to being called “stupid”.  The point of the statement is that you will know stupid people by their stupid actions.   Let me change that comment to another that is just as true, if not more.   Evil is as evil does.  We should not allow ourselves to have that said about us truthfully.  What do your actions and reactions tell people about you?  Do they tell people you are evil or do they tell people you are Christ-like? 

Albert