Romans 16:17-20
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
In verse 19 Paul states his desire that "I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil". Unfortunately we often end up doing the opposite, learning much about evil, and ignoring what is good. We can even justify it as a learning experience, or blame it on curiosity. But the fact remains that we end up harming ourselves if we dwell too much on evil. Even focusing on how evil the evil is can lead us astray if it becomes a dominant thought. Instead, the best way to counter the evil is often to focus on the good, for that will build up our natural defenses.
Lord, help me to be wise as to what is good, and innocent as to what is evil.
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
In verse 19 Paul states his desire that "I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil". Unfortunately we often end up doing the opposite, learning much about evil, and ignoring what is good. We can even justify it as a learning experience, or blame it on curiosity. But the fact remains that we end up harming ourselves if we dwell too much on evil. Even focusing on how evil the evil is can lead us astray if it becomes a dominant thought. Instead, the best way to counter the evil is often to focus on the good, for that will build up our natural defenses.
Lord, help me to be wise as to what is good, and innocent as to what is evil.