Posted by Darren Lim • Mar 21, 2022
The exhortation is clear that from now until the time Jesus comes again: We are perpetually engaged in the eternal war of epic proportions against the evil powers and principalities of this world. There is then a tendency for us to fall into one of two extremes – either to trivialise or to be overly obsessed by the devil’s influence in every problem, trial and tribulation encountered in life.
One can say that almost anything and everything in our lives except for spiritual choices are a matter of natural cause and effect. The personal choices we make determine whether the outcome in life is favourable or unfavourable. Conversely, one can be quick to point fingers at the evil one for everything that goes wrong in life, be it conflicts, disagreements, illnesses and yes, even natural disasters. COVID may be labelled by some as the work of the evil one since it causes much suffering in this world.
How do we make sense of it without chasing shadows? I am convinced that the focus is not to dwell on whether something is the work of the evil one or for that matter to start categorising things as “good” or “bad”. Rather, to behold the beauty of God and to live such a life of faithfulness and obedience to Him. Perhaps one way is to prayerfully ask and reflect on two discerning questions – Does it glorify God (thus directing others to see His goodness)? and Does our viewpoint draw us closer to God?
There was a season in life when I chose to take personal productivity to the next level after being inspired by a book titled “The 4-hour work week”. Some recommendations made sense and helped me be all round more productive. I was challenging demands from others for my precious time and devoting focused time daily to self study and the accumulation of knowledge. However, in a few weeks, I unknowingly became someone who got easily irritated and annoyed by others whom I perceived were time wasters and distracting me from hitting my productivity goals. I was ruthless to the point that I had no time to care for others at the workplace. No time to even ask “how are you today?” and really mean to hear the end of it. Is Productivity evil? Not so in itself since God made all things good. Did my actions glorify God? No, for I was not caring for my neighbours at the workplace. Did it draw me closer to God? Not so, for I was self-focused on personal goals and targets instead of being God-focused. It was about what I wanted instead of what He wanted. Thankfully, I had a brother who rebuked me and brought me back to the straight narrow path.
The struggle is real and the moment-by-moment choices we make – whether from our own sinful nature or evil influences – sets us down a certain path that either glorifies and draws us closer to God or causes us to drift away from Him. The challenge is also real for the struggle cannot be overcomed based on personal effort but requires us to rest in Christs’ finished work. I am determined to hold fast to His promises but am consciously aware that it is so easy to forget the times when God came through for me in past trials and tribulations. For this, I continue storing up His promises in my heart through daily reading of His Word in sacred scripture.
“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty who made the heavens and the earth. Thank you for loving us so much that You sent Jesus, Your only son, to save us. I know that you will not abandon nor forsake me for you will bring to completion the good work you began in me. I come humbly before you sweet Jesus, give me strength to live a victorious Christ-filled life amidst the trials and challenges in life and this world. I cannot but you can for you have conquered evil, sin and death. Amen.”