Evil. What images come to your mind when you hear that word?

Mass murderer like Hitler? Child rapist? Sandy Hook shooter? Yes. They are certainly evil. But what about a college student seeking a career for her fulfillment? What about a man seeking for a wife that will make him happy? What about a mom who is spoiling her children by giving them whatever they want? Do you see them as evil?

The Bible equates evil with self-seeking. Romans 2:8, “But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.”

What is the opposite of self-seeking? In other words, what is good in God’s eyes? It’s doing good for the sake of God and others. In other words, it’s living for others! So, living for the self is evil. Living for others is good!

But why on earth would we live for others? We are born seeking for our own good. We are born evil. How would you change that so that we will be good and seek for others’ good?

Oh, by the way, you want proof that you are evil? When are you happier – when good things happen to others or to you? Are you as happy for others when good things happen to them as when they happen to you?

So, how can we change so that we become good and start living for others? We can’t. We can’t wipe away evil from us no more than we can wipe soot out of coal. The more we wipe, the dirtier we get….

God has to change our inside. God has to take that black coal and make something entirely new out of us. It won’t do to paint it white. It will take a brand new material from God. That’s called being born again. We are made new in Christ.

Are you living for yourself or living for God? How can you tell? By looking at what brings you happiness and joy. Are you happiest when things go well for you or when things go well for the kingdom of God?

If you find yourself caring more for yourself than the kingdom of God, you need to repent. You are evil. You need Christ.

Christ changes you so that you are happiest when He is praised and His kingdom is advancing.

PH