The Triumph Of Goodness

Over the years, there have been various philosophical, ethical, and religious debates on the topic of good and evil. Some argue that good always wins over evil and others have various reasons to doubt and oppose such a statement. They have seen the guy who cheated move up the world's ladder of success. They have seen the criminal receive accolades, praises, and awards. They have seen the guy who played by the rules knocked out by the one who didn't care about the rules. They have seen the one who paid good for evil bombarded by more evil. Therefore, many feel it is not rewarding to play good when evil offers more appealing and sometimes quicker results.

What the devil wants is to make good look weak and unattractive, and compel many to conform to the path of evil. I remember during my days in secondary school, my teacher whom I respect so much, stood with me under the sun for long, giving me reasons I should join others in the organized SSCE malpractice. I knew it was wrong to do that, but he wanted me to see how much I will regret my decision if I fail the exams. Everyone seems to be very happy to do that, and I looked like an enemy to have said I won't. And it is always so, bad continually tries to make good look guilty for not conforming. Certain teenagers put so much pressure on the one who won't conform to their negative ways, and will not allow him to be until he does. Same with adults. But the bible says, 'Do not be conformed to this world' (Romans 12:2)

The battle is real and evil keeps on trying to win the hearts of many. But the bible emphatically told us never to conform to the ways of evil. He encouraged us to win evil with good because ultimately good will triumph over evil. 'Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.' (Romans 12:21). Many people's love and goodness have been drowned by the wickedness and self-centeredness in our world. But you should not allow evil and negativity to triumph in your life no matter how common it is. God's desire is to show the world the power and triumph of good through us. Remember, good is more powerful than evil.

Apostle Peter in his epistle encouraged us to stand with good saying: 'Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.' (1 Peter 3:8,9). We are called for this, to show the world the power and beauty of good, and the victory of righteousness. Just as Jesus conquered the grave after evil thought it had prevailed on him, stand strong too and see the salvation of the lord. Refuse to yield to evil, its appeals, and its temptations.

It may sometimes appear though compromise is the only option, but remember what the bible says to us, 'No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.' (1 Corinthians 10:13). 'Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.' (Hebrews 12:3-4) Stand with truth, stand on the side of goodness, and stand with the light. Don't let darkness destroy your goodness, instead overcome evil with good.

Finally, let me end with the words of Jesus, apostle Peter, and Paul, 'God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.' (Matthew 5:10-11). 'Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. `Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.` (1 Peter 3:13-14). 'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' (Galatians 6:9)