It is amazing how everyone understands the concept of sin and evil no matter where they are from. In teaching the Chinese students the concept of sin, all I had to do was to tell them that sin is “being self-centered or selfish.” And I told them sin (selfishness) is what made Japan invade China during WWII in order to expand their territory. I also told them sin is what makes people steal, murder, rape, and discriminate. They all understood right away the concept of sin.

There is no one who would deny the reality of evil. If anyone does, just take his wallet and see how he reacts. But what really is the essence of evil? What is it that is making this world, otherwise a beautiful place, such a miserable place to be when evil is involved?
It is self-seeking. It is seeking the good of the self without regard to God and others. Then, what is the opposite of sin?
It is seeking glory, honor, and immortality for the self. That is what is GOOD! “What? Isn’t that essentially also selfish? If you are seeking glory, honor and immortality for the self, that’s self-seeking, which you’ve said is the definition of sin!” you might think.
It all depends on seeking glory, honor and immortality from whom? If we are seeking them from people then it is evil. If we are seeking them from God, then it is good.
“He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.” Romans 2:6-8
 
It is NOT wrong to seek for glory, honor and immortality. As a matter of fact, it is wrong not to seek for them. But we are to seek for those things from God. Our motivation for life and ministry ought to be praise from God, compliments from God, and life in God.
Imagine a young pianist at a concert. After his virtuoso performance, the crowd is on their feet praising him. But he remains unmoved. It is only when his teacher rises to his feet to praise him that he gets up to take a vow.
In the end, only one thing matters. What God thinks of you. Work for it. Seek for His praise!
PH