Choose to Let Good Win
Since the Garden of Eden, humanity has faced the choice between good and evil—a struggle that began with Adam and Eve and continues to this day.
This battle can play itself out in many different ways. A child begins to test the limits of obedience at an early age. At school, students face the temptation to take short cuts or cheat on assignments. At work, the employee wrestles with how much effort they must put into their job. For the athlete, the desire to win and defeat your opponent can bring out a competitive evil side.
Today, two American football teams meet in the biggest game of the year. This annual event is one of the most viewed sporting events in the world. Each team strives to overcome the other. They push through challenges and setbacks to achieve their goal.
This struggle mirrors a deeper, spiritual battle we all face in life—the fight between good and evil. Each day brings choices for which side will prevail in our hearts and actions.
Romans 12:21 is a powerful dual statement about this struggle. The first statement is a reminder of that evil should not be in control. In the original language, the word "overcome" conveys the idea of triumphing over something. Athletes compete with the mindset to not let the opponent be the victor. For the believer, sin and evil must not win.
The second part of this powerful verse explains how we overcome evil: by triumphing over it with good.
Our natural inclination is to seek revenge, rejoice in someone's downfall, or boast in your own strength. But believers live out the transformative power of Christ by responding to evil with love, kindness, and forgiveness. These are the true tools for victory.
In sports, teams often reflect the values of their coach and leaders. As believers, we must reflect the values of our leader, Jesus. Christlikeness is not a title—it’s an active way of life that enables us to overcome evil with good. A response of love, kindness, and forgiveness, show the transformative power of Christ. You can do this by forgiving a coworker who wronged you or choosing not to respond in a harsh way to criticism.
Today, choose to let good win—not only on the field, but in the battles you face each day.
Knowing God
Our hope is anchored in a breathtaking promise: "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as waters cover the sea." This is not a thin layer or partial awareness, but a complete, overflowing fullness—God present everywhere, known and enjoyed in every place.
The prophet Habakkuk wrestled honestly with God, questioning why injustice seemed to prevail and why the wicked were allowed to judge God’s people. God’s response lifted Habakkuk’s eyes beyond the immediate crisis. Though God does address evil, His ultimate purpose reaches far beyond judgment. His heart is that all the earth would truly know Him.
In Scripture, “knowledge” is not mere information. In Hebrew thought, to know God is relational—it speaks of intimacy, trust, love, and lived experience. It is the same word used to describe the deepest human relationship or marriage. God is not aiming to fill the world with facts about Himself, but with people who walk with Him, listen to ...