04/20/2007  

A mind given over to Evil.

The horrible events that recently took place at Virginia Tech rightly stunned us. Interestingly, the attack on the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and the Columbine High School shootings also occurred in April. Evil does not choose a particular month or season to strike, but when it does manifest, it respects no one and devastates everyone.

I weep over these events. I find myself overwhelmed as Jeremiah described in chapter 9:1, “If only my head were a pool of water and my eyes a fountain of tears, I would weep day and night for all my people who have been slaughtered.” Jeremiah continually witnessed the devastation caused by evil in his nation. The people were not just evildoers, but a seed of evildoers.

Evil cannot be understood without acknowledging the reality of a spiritual force described in the Bible as the “kingdom of darkness,” made up of deceptive, tormenting, destructive spirits. These influences grip the hearts, minds and lives of vulnerable individuals. Wherever there is a weak link, the chain breaks. Where the foundation is not sound, the structures collapse. Where the will and ability to resist breaks down, the enemy takes control.

We must understand that evil must be resisted on all fronts. Even government has a role, as it enforces laws to protect the innocent and punish evildoers, but there is no substitute for the profound and positive influence that the kingdom of light, the sharing of truth and expressions of compassion can have on others. This is why people of faith and those who believe in the supernatural power of an Almighty God must become sensitive to the spiritual realm.

Many people recognized Cho Seung-Hui’s disturbing issues. Some may have attempted to penetrate the darkness and introduce rays of light and hope. But Cho Seung-Hui is not unique in this world, although he reacted on a scale larger than most. Others may respond with a single murder, suicide or other violent crime. All of us must be on guard, while being sensitive to everything going on around us. We are here as sheep in the midst of wolves. This means that we are continually vulnerable, yet we have a supernatural ability to discern the spirits and impact the lives of others.

A manifestation of evil does not necessarily indicate failure on the part of anyone. After all, the first student killed at Columbine was Rachel Scott, who was shot and killed while confessing her faith without compromise. Even perfect love walked on the earth only once and He was hung on a cross by a corrupt government, a deceived population and blind religious zealots – all influenced by the power of manifest evil. There is no question that life on earth will always be stalked by evil. And there is no denying that the power of love will ultimately prevail.

While we pray for all who feel the pain of manifest evil, expressed through horrendous acts, let us ask God for greater sensitivity, more compassion and the supernatural ability to discern problems and share the truth. We can win many battles, but only if we are committed to it and understand that the real war is within. It’s the battle in the mind for the hearts, lives and souls of men.

Publishing Information

Author: James Robison

Word Count: 547

About the author: James Robison is the founder and president of LIFE Outreach International, a Christian media ministry and mission relief organization. He and his wife, Betty, host of the television program Life Today; He has authored numerous books, including The Absolutes: Freedom's Only Hope and True Prosperity.

Media Contact: Randy Robison, editor at jamesrobison.net

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