I’m quite sure that Lincoln wasn’t the only man in history to make this statement. Through the history of our world, evil has been rearing its ugly head. Each generation seems to become more and more corrupted. We can’t help but notice the devil’s influence. It seems that he’s becoming more blatant each day. Morality, lies, theft, adultery, sexual deviation, lack of integrity, selfishness, self-absorption and upside- down thinking. Maybe I have more time on my hands. Maybe my mind is restless and looks at the negatives rather than the positives. Whatever the case, we’re racing towards the highway to hell with a lack of common sense and basic teaching of the Law of God and His precious Gospel.

The devil has a knack for tempting us to do the wrong thing, use the wrong words, blaming others instead of taking responsibility for our own actions. His actions are usually hidden under a cloak of intrigue and temptation. He lures us into his web with deceptive means and doesn’t give up. God has conquered Satan, when His Son died on a cross as a fully human being. He conquered the sting of death, by providing a life after death for those who put their faith in Him. So why does God allow him to lurk in the darkness or boldly reveal himself in such appealing ways? I believe that when God created the world, the universe and all living things, He gave the human race a mind which can chose between good and evil. Like a loving Father, He guides us through life. There are choices to be faced on a daily basis. We have the freedom of our own will. What we do with that will and our choice, remains up to us. When we place our faith in His will, the walk will be much easier.

We can watch our world collapse around us. We can accept the ugliness of sin. We can become part of it, but if we choose to do nothing to stop it, we are just as guilty as those doing evil. We face temptation every day. It’s so easy to look at our neighbor’s lawn and wish ours looked as good. It’s not hard to lie to cover up bad behavior. It’s much harder to trust God and walk in His path. This journey will be full of ups and downs, life-changing decisions, and obstacles. God has already defeated Satan and his minions. Death no more devours us, because He has promised to be with us through it all. To top it off, He guarantees life after death for those who believe in Him.

While we wait for eternity, we have an obligation to fight evil – to stand up to the devil – to ask God for His protection from the impending doom of our world. Those who say or do nothing about it will pay a price for their silence.

“ Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV.