Clinging on for Dear Life

"Hate what is evil; Cling to what is good." (Romans 12:9)

To hate: To have an intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury; extreme dislike.

The Word of God tells us that we are to hate what is evil. If you think about it, the things in this world that are worthy of hate, usually do derive from a fear, from anger, or from a sense of injury. The Bible does not tell us it is simply OK to have an apathetic approach to evil. Apathy, or indifference, can be viewed to some as a much more appealing, less evasive method of dealing with the immorality so prevalent in our society. "We live in an imperfect world, so while I may not accept the evil going on, I can't really do anything to change it, so I'm just going to choose indifference ... No point in stirring up conflict."

While the Word of God does instruct us to live quiet lives that win the respect of outsiders (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12), it is also clear that there is absolutely nothing wrong with setting ideals, choosing to live our lives based upon standards (1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Peter 2:11). I was so irritated yesterday morning while watching a morning talk-show, as one of the co-hosts was nearly being attacked for having a standard on sexual purity. Are you kidding me? (Sadly, no ... no one's kidding. This is not a joke. It's the reality in which we live.) Yesterday, I referenced Psalm 119:132: "I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free." Doesn't all of this just make you want to run - with energy, promptness and eagerness - toward the Cross? It should instill in us an insatiable desire to stand for Truth, and to proclaim Truth, in our areas of influence.

Last night I was flipping through the channels around 11:30 pm. I should have just left O'Reilly on (even though he was being annoying at the moment). Even on a Tuesday night, the filth of this world was so evident. It is prevalent and widespread. There is so much justification of evil that is currently taking place in our world, that I truly believe it has even immersed itself into the lives of believers, into the church itself. And let me assure you, I am not excluding myself from being tricked into this scheme, as for many years I personally dealt with a lack of conviction and standard in areas of my life. Maybe the problem stems from not enough people truly knowing evil from good - Do you think that's it? Whatever the source, our hatred of evil must in turn bring us to our knees ... As we cling onto our faith in Jesus for dear life.

To cling: To hold on tightly or tenaciously; To have a strong emotional attachment or dependence; To remain or linger as if resisting complete dissipation (breaking up) or dispersal.

Cling on for dear life, sister. Get in the Word, hold tightly and tenaciously onto Truth ... and remain there, resisting any break away this world may attempt to force upon you.

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." (2 Timothy 4:3-5)

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil ... " (Isaiah 5:20)

"He [Jesus] said to them, 'Go into the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" (Mark 16:15)