Many years ago, Edmund Burke, a British statesman, said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

One just has to watch the news on the television, read the newspaper, or listen to people's conversations to begin to fear and feel hopeless. It just seems that Satan is having a field day. As Christians, all we can really do about many of these things on the global stage is to pray and ask for God's help.

But that doesn't mean that we can turn a blind eye to the evil and human need that is happening all around us — things that are in our power to change.

If we see someone in danger, do we just walk by and say to ourselves that someone else will come to their rescue and that we will pray for them, or do we call 911 and try to help whenever or however we can? Or we may want to help by donating money that will go towards clean water wells overseas or supporting a child that is in need of clothing, education, and food. What about giving up some of our time to help out in a soup kitchen or preparing meals?

Luke 3:11 – And he would answer and say to them, "The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise." (NASB)

James 2:15-16 – Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well" — but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? (NLT)

We must not ignore the evil going on around us for fear of giving it too much attention, and we must not count on Jesus' imminent return as an excuse for doing nothing about evil. I believe that Satan will continue to have a field day if we Christians do absolutely nothing at all.

Satan's pride and joy is trying to put doubt and confusion into the minds of his enemies, God's children.

Luke 17:20-21 – One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, "When will the Kingdom of God come?" Jesus replied, "The Kingdom of God can't be detected by visible signs. You won't be able to say, 'Here it is!' or 'It's over there!' For the Kingdom of God is already among you." (NLT)

We just can't sit around and do nothing, waiting for God's kingdom to come. We need to do what we can to help our neighbours now!

Prayer: Creator God, remove the veil from our eyes to see our neighbour in need. Help us to follow in Jesus' footsteps and bring about His kingdom of peace right now. Help us to share our wealth with others in need. Help us to share our various gifts with each other. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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