The Tyranny of Evil 

   “These are the times that try men’s souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands now, deserves the love and thanks of men and women.  ” (Thomas Payne, “The American Crisis”) 

   We can learn many things from history when we study it honestly rather than trying to eliminate or rewrite it.  The tyranny Thomas Payne was addressing was political, but his warnings apply equally well to the tyranny of evil.

   There appears to be no end to the evil that continues to grow in society.  We kill our children in the womb and sex has become a recreation rather that the expression of Godly love between one man and one woman in the bonds of a sacramental marriage. Virtually any evil is acceptable and even condoned if it appears to benefit the one perpetrating it.

   Even in the churches sin is accepted and by acceptance, promoted.  The truths of God are seldom mentioned, and the wages of sin are rarely spoken of.  Pastors refuse to confront the evils of society, failing to properly shepherd the flock of Christ.  They are putting their soul and those of the laity at risk by their meekness in confronting evil.

   Far too many professed Christians cower in fear of the retributions that may come from confronting the evils.  Better to “go along to get along” seems to be the attitude.  Christ warned the church at Laodicia that he would vomit them out of His mouth because of their lukewarm faith (Rev 3).  He will do no less to the timid, lukewarm Christians of today.

   St. Paul tells us, “Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.” (Eph 6: 11).  That is our task, to join the battle against the tyranny of evil, always remembering that we must act with love and forgiveness in our heart.