There's a long list of people, not only in Bible times, but in our time as well, who show us the wrong thing to do. There are also many who show us the right way to live as well, but they're outnumbered by far by the "other" side.

One would think we've got enough information to be smart when it comes to knowing the good we ought to do. Obviously, we either aren't paying attention or don't care one way or the other. The writer of the letter to the Romans, gave the Christians in Rome a clear understanding of how to treat good and evil, but I imagine many of them didn't listen or care. But before you criticize them, look at your own life.

Being we begin to be wise about good, it might be good for us to agree on what is good. After all, what some Christians today believe is good is highly questionable at best. And with the influence of television and Hollywood, it's also apparent we know far too much about what is evil. Still, you have to wonder is someone who can;t recognize "good," is even capable of recognizing "evil."

Take gambling for example. Take an informal poll of church members and you've find a majority believe it's bad. I doubt few people in history have come out on top in the odds of gambling. More than likely, frequenting the casino in person or on the Internet is one of the relaxing activities of millions of people. In fact, I've had too pastors who winked at it when they encouraged members to give God a portion of their winnings. Another one said he only went there to take advantage of the inexpensive food designed to lure people to "test" the waters.

If pastors have a hard time with it, what about the average church member. Some elected officials have found that using some "evil" money for good, will snare good folk. In Tennessee, our people have recently elected to fall for the lottery scam. The way they achieved their goal was to promise to send kids to college with a portion of the money. Sounds good. Good goal, good plan, but if part of it is evil, it's all evil according to the Bible.

A friend of mine recently earned my respect more than he realizes when he was offered the benefit of lottery proceeds to pay his son's tuition at a Christian university. The offer came from the registrar at the school, but my friend had conviction and refused the offer, rejecting it as a unsuccessful temptation to abandon his personal conviction to gain benefit.

Our churches are prey to this deception as well. With a nonprofit tax advantage from the government, the church encourages tax-exempt offerings from members that can be used to reduce their tax burden. King David said, I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." I doubt he would have accepted a reduction on his tax for his gift? I also wonder if Jesus would have told the widow who gave her mite, that she could itemize her exemptions and reduce her tax load? Or would he have told the Pharisees, Give to Caesar that which is Caesar's and to God that which is God's. By the way, you can reduce the expense of your gift if you report to Caesar that you gave to my ministry. 2Sa 24:24

Are you alert enough to recognize the evil in something that promises a good benefit? Would you accept such a "bribe" from the devil if it seems the purpose is good? Like this writer of Romans, I pray God makes you wise about good and innocent about evil, so you can discern the will of God and reject the notion that sin has any place in the life of the Christian.

What does God say about the apparent confusion concerning good and evil in the world? "Come out from among them (the world) and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." 2Cor 6:17 It's funny how we Christians have come to accept the idea that tradition trumps truth.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 2 Cr. 33:14-34:33 Rm. 16:8-27 Ps. 26:1-12 Pr 20:19 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998-2004 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
All Rights Reserved