Father Knows Best

"Therefore “hate evil,” Christian, unless you desire trouble. If you want to cover your path with thorns and plant nettles in your pillow, then fail to “hate evil”; but if you would live a happy life and die a peaceful death, then walk in all the ways of holiness, hating evil right to the end. If you truly love your Savior and want to honor Him, then “hate evil.” We know of no cure for the love of evil in a Christian like daily communion with the Lord Jesus. Be often with Him, and it is impossible for you to be at peace with sin." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Do you hate all evils or just the vilest ones? I think most Christians hate evil as a concept and some evils such as abortion, murder, child abuse, and sex trafficking in particular. However, if we are completely honest with ourselves, there may be a few “minor” evils that we choose to cling to, participate in, or view longingly from afar (but not too far).

The truth of the matter is that even the sincerest of Christians may wrestle with gossiping or greediness, lying or lusting. We may easily turn away from cursing but allow covetousness a small but safe place in our heart.

In today’s quote, Charles Spurgeon reminds us that all evils – even the supposedly “little” ones – are dangerous and destructive. In fact, there is simply no way to walk closely with Christ while harboring a pet sin or two.

My friend, let’s do our best and try our hardest to remove each and every evil from our lives. And if we can’t (or won’t) make the necessary adjustments, let’s at least allow God to do His winnowing and refining work in us without complaining or resisting.

After all, Father knows best!

“For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.” Psalm 66:10 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President