26/04/2015 - DO NO EVIL

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Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified.  2 Corinthians 13.7

The question of doing evil must be understood in the perspective of the Master, like in the episode in Capernaum, when He was ashamed with the doctors in the Law and scribes who wanted to accuse him for healing on the Sabbath. He who knows what is good and has the authority to do so, but does not do it, sins. Paul asked the brethren in Corinth to do no evil, for if they omitted doing what was good, they could be considered evildoers.

This case is more serious than it seems, for there is no neutrality for those who were approved by the Lord to do good, having been entrusted with the necessary power to perform their ministry. Therefore, use the power that has been given you, even if that brings persecution from the police, from politics, or religion. We must be aware that we are God’s ambassadors, at His own request.

Undoubtedly, if we are aware to what He does, we will see doors opening everywhere. However, if we are cowards and try to save our own skin, we will be accountable for our negligence. Besides, if we allow our promising professional careers to hinder us from speaking out the love of the Father, we will be doing evil. We are the light of the world, and therefore, approved to accomplish what is good everywhere we go.

According to what Paul wrote, the world needs people who do what is good. Jesus was not the only person who decided to do so, but He gave us an example. Nobody will be successful in his faith in God if he is not fearless. This is the kind of people that the world needs – people who consecrate themselves to God to fulfill the divine work, and not their own work. Now, whoever sees economic advantages in doing what is good is contaminated by the demon and will have a sorrowful end.

Even if it is necessary to live in a distant place, with rotten clothes and bare feet to give the good testimony, we cannot exchange His glory for the facilities that money can offer us. However, the truth is that those who trust in the Lord will never have any lack, for He takes care of the minimum details of those who serve Him with faith and love. These people please the Father in all senses.

Those who belong to God are sent and go; but those who do not belong, weigh the facts and find a series of reasons not to obey the Master. Those who consult flesh and blood cannot bedisciples of Christ. The principle that is adopted by the faithful one is that if the Lord speaks once, he listens to it twice. Thus, he does not ask if, in fact, it was God who spoke, for as a sheep from the good Pastor, the servant knows His voice and follows him without lingering.

The Most High has pleasure in seeing you announcing the Good News, using His power to free people captive in addictions, sins, debts, sicknesses, and numerous problems. Whenever you are able and go, be certain that the Lord is ahead of you, opening the way, protecting you and giving you power to do as Jesus did.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares