The Eyes of the Lord

"Are in every place," writes Solomon, "keeping watch on the evil and the good" (Prov 15.3, ESV). The Scriptures speak remarkably consistently in regards to God and on whom he keeps his eye. Ps. 139.7-12 works out this same truth. No matter how far we run or how much we try to hide, God is never far from us. This is a good thing. This is a remarkable thing. This is the God whom we serve.

How to Overcome Evil

Paul speaks to how we overcome evil in Romans 12.21. "Do not be overcome by evil," he writes, "but overcome evil with good." There is so much packed into those twelve words (in the Greek).

First, both evil and good cannot win out, it is not possible. If evil is triumphant, than good loses. If good wins, then evil is crushed.

Second, It is possible for a follower of Christ to be overcome by evil. Otherwise, Paul would not have written this admonition.

Third, it is possible for evil to be overcome.

Fourth, the instrument with which to overcome evil is good, which here we would see as the opposite, and the antithesis of evil.

Fifth, Paul doesn't explain exactly how good overcomes evil, or how to overcome evil by using good; he only states to do it. I suspect that he must have felt that how exactly to do it was self-evident. It did not need further explaining.

Does it Appear that Evil is Successful?

Don't worry. Take the long view. This is the message of Prov 24.19,20. Evil will not triumph. Those who are evil and appear to be "getting away with it," will not get away with it. They are accountable to God. He will hold them accountable.