Do you think that evil oversees our world? It is a provocative question, for sure. Historic deficits are making us a debtor nation, placing our children’s future at risk. Drugs are killing our younger generations by the tens of thousands because of border politics. Our nation has a government that has lost track of almost 100,000 children who may be at risk of being trafficked to the perverts of this world. Politicians are enriching themselves at the expense of their citizens. Perversions are being claimed as human rights. The world holds more and more terror every day, all of it seeking the destruction of our nation and freedom. If you disagree, you are no doubt tuned into the wrong people in our world.
Defining the characteristics of “evil” is complex and subjective. There are, however, some commonly identified characteristics that can be associated with “evil” behavior:
- Lack of Empathy – Evil individuals typically exhibit a profound inability or unwillingness to empathize with the suffering or feelings of others. They are indifferent to the pain they cause. There is a lack of a moral compass or conscience, allowing them to commit harmful acts without experiencing internal conflict or hesitation.
- Manipulative – Evil individuals will use manipulation and deceit to achieve their goals, exploiting others without regard for their well-being. They are professional liars. Evil lies, deceives, or betrays the trust of others in pursuit of their interests.
- Narcissism – Evil traits accompany extreme narcissism. It is unfortunate that narcissistic people see themselves as superior to others and feel entitled to do whatever they desire, regardless of the consequences for others.
- Aggression and Violence – Evil individuals often resort to aggression, violence, or other forms of harm to achieve their ends or assert dominance.
- Lack of Remorse or Guilt – Evil individuals may not feel remorse or guilt for their actions, even when they cause harm or suffering.
- Sadism – Just look at some of the events in the Middle East or Ukraine. The evil you see comes from people who derive pleasure or satisfaction from causing pain or suffering to others they hate.
- Dehumanization of Others – Evil sees individuals as mere objects or obstacles to being manipulated or discarded, rather than as fellow human beings deserving of respect and dignity.
- Ruthlessness – The evil we see today is a cold, calculating, ruthless, pursuit of selfish goals. There is little concern for collateral damage or the well-being of others.
- Greed – Greed and evil are often linked due to the harmful consequences that can arise from excessive desire for wealth, power, or possessions. Greed can fuel corrupt behavior, including bribery, embezzlement, fraud, and other forms of dishonesty.
(2 Timothy 3:1-5)1NIV New International Version Translations – “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
The Apostle Paul describes the moral decline and characteristics of evil people in the end times. Whether these are the end times is not relevant. Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent theme of warning against evil behavior and urging believers to resist temptation and follow the path of righteousness. All people are sinners and have a propensity toward evil due to the fallen nature of humanity after the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Romans 3:23, Genesis 3). However, that is not an excuse. There are consequences for evil behavior. Those who engage in it will face judgment from God (Proverbs 11:21, Galatians 6:7-8). Our response must be to avoid evil people and separate ourselves from their ungodly influences (Proverbs 4:14-15, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). God is the righteous judge who will hold evil people accountable for their actions. Justice will be served, either in this life or in the afterlife (Romans 12:19, Hebrews 10:30-31).
This is not a pretty picture, but that does not mean we have no hope.
(Jeremiah 29:11) – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
To begin with, we have God! We have God in the good times and in the times of uncertainty and adversity. The entire premise behind our covenant with God is that He has a positive plan for the future of His people, one that involves prosperity, protection from harm, and the promise of hope and a fulfilling future.
(Romans 8:28) – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
The Apostle Paul reminds us of God’s sovereignty and providence. Even amid difficult circumstances, God is actively at work for the benefit of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. The “good” mentioned in this verse doesn’t necessarily refer to immediate comfort or success, but rather to the ultimate good of God’s larger plan of redemption and restoration. It signifies God’s ability to bring about positive outcomes, growth, and transformation even in the face of evil.
(Hebrews 10:23) – “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Paul is again encouraging us to remain steadfast in our hope and faith in God, despite any challenges or trials we may face. The apostle emphasizes the reliability of God’s promises and His faithfulness to fulfill them. There is a side note here that is important not to miss. To “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess” means to cling firmly to the hope that is found in Jesus Christ and the promises of God, without wavering or doubting. We need to trust in God’s character and His ability to keep His word, even when circumstances may seem uncertain or difficult. Our God does not lie, “in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began” (Titus 1:2).
(Romans 8:38-39) – “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, because it’s unbreakable.”
The above passages are from Paul’s letter to the Romans. They are a powerful declaration of the unbreakable love and security that believers have in their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It lists various circumstances and evil forces, including death, life, angels, demons, present, future, powers, height, depth, and anything else in creation, emphasizing that none of these things can separate those who believe in Jesus Christ from the love of God. To repeat: Nothing in existence, whether physical or spiritual, can sever the bond between us and God’s love for us. God’s love remains constant and unwavering, regardless of any external factors or challenges.
Contemplations
- What do you personally do to know that you are listening to the truth?
- Ideas to Explore: Deuteronomy 19:15 states, “A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Therefore, having multiple sources is one way to ensure you are hearing the truth. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 encourages believers to test or examine everything and hold on to what is good, suggesting the importance of personal discernment in evaluating teachings, experiences, and claims to determine their validity and truthfulness.
- What about the media, whether social or cable news, How do you know what you hear is true?
- Ideas to Explore: Believers are urged to test or examine the spirits (teachings, messages, or influences) they encounter to discern whether they originate from God. This involves personal scrutiny and discernment to guard against deception. “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
- How do you keep your children filled with hope for their future?
- Ideas to Explore: Teach Them God’s Promises – For example, in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, parents are instructed to impress God’s commandments on their children and talk about them regularly. Let your children see your faith and hope in action. Pray with them. Help your children focus on the blessings they have rather than what they lack. Teach them to serve others. Encourage your children to look beyond themselves and consider the needs of others. Be part of a community that strengthens their faith and gives them a sense of belonging.
- 1NIV New International Version Translations