September 10 Hatred: The Tool of EVIL 1 John 2:9-11
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” (1 John 2:9-11)
Over the past four years, we have seen EVIL demonstrate the destructive results of deep seated hatred. As I have observed the activities of those who choose to be a pawn in the exercise of Hatred, I see beyond the simple act of “Common Sense-Less” actions. Whether we recognize it or not, Satan and his EVIL minions are working overtime to attack, defame and destroy people who stand for Good, Right, Decency, and Spiritual Growth. This insane response to Worldly actions continues to grow among the entire population. Really! I am denied service because I believe a certain way! My home and my family are threatened because I believe a certain way! I am refused admission to a University because I believe a certain way! 1 John 2 clearly speaks to this issue. There are those who walk in darkness and in that darkness they are consumed with the EVIL that is characteristic of our present age! What is most disappointing and offers the most concern, is when a professed believer is actively participating in the “Darkness and Evil” of this day! How can we say that we love God and that we are following Him in obedience, yet, we are in full agreement with the social, political and worldly evil and hatred that has permeated the very fabric of our society? From my limited perspective, it is impossible to be loyal and to follow the Evil of Satan and this world and to say that you love God and your brother! The scriptures tell us that a “DOUBLE MINDED MAN IS UNSTABLE IN ALL OF HIS DEALINGS!!! Pay attention to this statement! You cannot serve Satan and serve God! Your earthly, human opinions are not important to God. If we are to serve Him in the beauty of Holiness, we have to make our service and praise to Him, our number one priority! Folks, having a political thought and having a social conscience, in and of itself, is not wrong, however, when these opinions become the driving force within your life, and they replace the word of God, now that is wrong! Sadly, I see Hatred displayed in seemingly decent and good people and I have to wonder, what went wrong? If we are to be that “LIGHT” that shines for God, into the Darkness of this world, we have to be “Sold out” and totally committed to the Service to God! I continue to pray for an awakening in the hearts of those who have professed a relationship with Jesus and, yet, actively participate in the obvious Hatred that dominates and dictates our present circumstances. When our hearts are tuned to God and our lives are committed to service and our thoughts are on the lost and our very being is dedicated and committed to the Good News and sharing that message, then we will not be focused on the temporal and we will not be a participant in the EVIL and DESTRUCTIVE HATRED THAT EXIST RIGHT THIS MINUTE!! Satan is using every means possible to thwart the Cause of Christ and to cause chaos and confusion! As a “BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN,” I choose to serve God and to stay focused on what is real and just and edifying to the Body of Christ! I have opinions and I have thoughts, yet, it is my goal, it is my desire, it is my duty to live above the earthly circumstances and choose to live with pleasing God as my number one priority! Do you understand that we can’t walk in darkness when we have been brought into the “LIGHT!” Please…STAY FOCUSED ON WHAT IS REAL AND EDIFYING TO GOD! SERVE HIM and let the EVIL of the world be what it is. Remember, THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME, WE ARE JUST PASSING THROUGH! Remember… Red, Blue, Male, Female, Left, Right, Up, Down, Young, Old, Black, White, does not matter when we are “Walking in the Light of God, with the understanding that we are just passing through!” Last Word… LOVE GOD, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR!