How to Overcome Evil

How to Overcome Evil By Tom Gilbreath Spooks and specters… talking heads and attack ads… Halloween and Election Day. We live in terrifying times. But we don’t need to be terrified. God is good. And God still reigns. Not long ago on X, someone wrote that their work had become tedious. This person felt the world was on the verge of something big, perhaps something of biblical proportions. Next to that, the daily labor needed to put bread on the table felt inconsequential. The post resonated with large numbers of people. Many replied, “Same,” or “Feel it too.” Some were relieved to learn they were not alone. One spoke of being “crippled” by “overwhelming stress.” Others couldn’t enjoy life as they had in the past, found it difficult to sleep, or just couldn’t get over the jitters. The upcoming US elections caused many of these fears. This was even true of people who don’t live in the United States. Many felt overwhelmed by the suspense of who might win, or what it would mean if their side lost. For still others, the feeling was about something bigger than an election. So much has gone horribly wrong in America and elsewhere, they felt that a reckoning was imminent. The election certainly looms over most people’s thoughts these days. Both sides agree that the America we have known is at stake. We always hear that this is the most important election ever. This time they may be right. So, vote! But the political issues of our day are only symptoms of a bigger, deeper problem. Romans 1:18-32 (NKJV) tells the story of a civilization in moral freefall. It starts with rejection of God. Verses 21-22 explain the result of that rejection. People “became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools.” Verse 28 says, “Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind.” The KJV says, “reprobate mind.” The NASB says, “depraved mind.” Most of us who are Christians lead pretty sheltered lives. Only occasionally do we get a glimpse of just how horrible things have become outside our neighborhoods or beyond the doors of our churches. But those glimpses of depravity are enough. Should we hide in fear? Will it help to rage against those leading our country toward cultural suicide? No. We respond to society’s sickness by lovingly presenting God’s cure for the problem, and that problem is sin. 1 John 1:7 says, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” If you are a follower of Jesus, you know it worked for you. It still works today. We can speak the Gospel in bold confidence knowing that we have what the world needs. Vote, but don’t fear. Election outcomes do not diminish God’s power, love, or care. Don’t let fear-mongering political ads make you afraid. The Bible teaches us to be good citizens. That means we have a responsibility to vote. But we are also citizens of God’s kingdom, something earthly elections cannot change. As a Christian, you represent Jesus and His Gospel. And that’s what the world needs. So, in this season when evil is often glorified, follow Romans 12:21. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”