When we look around, we see the presence of evil everywhere. It is fair to question why evil exists and where it comes from. We know from scripture that Satan fell after the angels were created, and we know Satan fell before Adam and Eve fell short in the Garden of Eden. How long before Adam and Eve fell did Satan fall, we do not know. However, we know how evil came to planet earth, which was by way of the fall of both angelic and human beings. Both angels and humans desired to be all-knowing and all-powerful like God.
From that time until now, evil has existed. Humans are born in a fallen state and will experience spiritual warfare, (the spiritual battle of good versus evil) until heaven is restored on earth. Because we were born fallen children, created in God’s image, and have free will, there is no way to avoid spiritual warfare. There is great news, though; we can have victory over evil if we put on the full armor of God and quit trying to play God ourselves.
God created human beings for a personal relationship with the Creator of everything. Friends, that is both amazing and exciting. God created us to enjoy God and to enjoy everything God created. Even though evil exists, everything God created is still good; how do we know, because God told us so. Even Satan, the Prince of Darkness, was at one time good. It was only by Satan’s desire to be equal with God that Satan experienced evil for the first time.
If you are currently experiencing evil, you must first be honest with yourself and see if your attitude and actions are outside God’s will. Evil comes into play; when we act outside of God’s intended purpose. Once we cross that line, then evil becomes possible for anyone. It is the disobedient act that causes the harm, and not the will of God. The evil manifests itself as a byproduct of our disobedience, e.g., if you touch a hot stove, you will get burnt. If you step outside the boundaries of God’s eternal purpose, you will experience the evil embedded in the disobedient act itself.
This explanation of evil helps us understand why we can experience evil at the hands of others and even from creation as a whole because all of creation has been affected by the fall, not just humans. When we experience floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, fires, plagues, etc., we witness and experience the fall of creation. The great news is that God promises to one day bring an end to evil once and for all when God restores the kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
God sent Jesus to earth to help the world understand this truth, to save humankind from their evil ways, and reconcile all of creation back to God for eternity. Everyone and everything is in desperate need of salvation, and God’s eternal purpose is for everyone to be saved and have victory over evil in this life and the life to come. For all of creation to experience justice, righteousness, and peace. Friends, this is amazing news for those who have ears to hear.
Scripture Readings
Reflection Questions
- What did you take away from today’s devotional and readings?
- How have you experienced evil in your life?
- What does God say happens to wicked people?
- Who was trying to play God in Matthew’s reading?
- How are you combating the evil you are currently experiencing?
- What can you do differently, starting today, to protect yourself and limit the harm caused by evil?
Prayer
My creator, evil, is cunning, baffling, powerful. I am sick and tired of being a victim to its wrath. Please grant me the wisdom, courage, and humility necessary to put on the full armor of You so that I may experience victory over evil at a level deeper than I have ever thought possible. In Your name, I pray these things, Amen.
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