Don’t Be Consumed by Evil

Reflection

The acts of the evil can really consume us if we allow it. It’s not to say that we don’t get upset by their actions, but we should not let it take over our hearts and minds. Whether it’s who they are or what they have, it’s easy to let envy or frustration creep in. So many are influenced by them, and it can almost entice us to follow their ways. In our world today, it seems like the evil often prosper, and at times we may find ourselves wondering why it feels like they are getting ahead.

Proverbs 24:19-20 reminds us not to be consumed by the ways of the wicked. The world may look at them and see success, but we are warned that the wicked’s end is far from glorious. Their success will be temporary, and their reward will be lost. The world may try to convince us that evil succeeds, but God’s word tells us that they will not prosper forever.

Jesus is the perfect example of how this scripture is fulfilled. While He was on earth, the religious leaders and rulers of the time were considered the "successful" ones. They had power, wealth, and influence. But Jesus did not envy them. Instead, He focused on His mission, knowing that His reward was not of this world. He did not get consumed by the evil around Him but instead lived out God's will, even though He was tempted in the wilderness and faced opposition. Jesus endured without being swayed by the seeming success of the wicked.

We, too, must learn not to be consumed by the actions of the wicked. Just like Jesus, we are called to live for an eternal reward, not the temporary success that the world offers. While it may seem like the evil prosper, we must remember that in the end, God’s justice will prevail, and their rewards will be extinguished. Like Jesus, let us walk with an unwavering focus on what truly matters: living in righteousness and following God's will.