September 28
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DON’T IMITATE WHAT IS EVIL BUT WHAT IS GOOD
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.13 I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink; 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
–3 John 11-15
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In this account, we are told what the Lord requires from all those who love Him. God wants them to do only what is good and right. He cautions them all to never have anything to do with evil or go in the way of wickedness. John tells us who are from God and who aren’t. Those who constantly do what is right and follow the Lord’s commands are the ones who belongs to Him. On the other hand, those who choose to sin and do what is evil has not seen and known God.
In this day and age, it is not easy to stay holy and focused on following God’s will. The world is full of corruption and evil. How can we actually avoid being tainted by the wickedness surrounding us? The Holy Spirit is given to all those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. As soon as one commits to God, they are indwelled by the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that gives them the ability to do what is right and follow God’s commands. They can only desire to please God if they are truly His followers. Those who do not believe in the Lord will never be able to do what is right, they will always follow their flesh. They have no capacity to choose what is good and what the Lord wants.
We are warned again and again to never be yoked with evil or to be involved with anything that will displease God. Tolerating evil or even being exposed to it can make believers contaminated. This is why the Lord wants us to avoid all kinds of wickedness.
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REFLECTION
• How can we avoid being contaminated by the corruption in the world surrounding us?
• Why is it important to be in the word of God?
• What would the world look like if we all keep away from all unrighteousness?