We all love thinking good thoughts about people. We do not look for the bad as though we are navigating a treasure hunt to expose someone. We do not count the good we see in people as a testimony of salvation. Many unsaved people do good things; they enjoy being seen as good, but have no interest in trusting in Christ.
God revealed to me some years ago that we are to: Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
However, this instruction to dwell on the principles of God does not mean we completely ignore the evil going on in the world when it crosses our path.
Focusing on the goodness and superior principles of God is not the same as focusing on good in people. Often the good in people is an act and a smoke screen because they cannot be truly good without Christ.
If we refuse to see the evil and call it what it is, then the evil will never get fixed. We are to desire truth above everything. We do not look for the evil, nor do we look for the good; we look for the truth.
In our world today, ungodly people think there is some virtue in choosing to only see good in everything. Sadly, those who do this begin to lose sight of what is good and tend to embrace things that God calls bad.
Isaiah 5:20 "20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
If we are afraid to face the evil and call it by its name, it is an indication we are more afraid of displeasing those who love evil. It is also an indication that a part of us enjoys the evil.
Fear of displeasing evil people demonstrates a heart that is just like theirs. We only care about being accepted by people when they are our focus and not Christ.
When Christ is our focus, we don't concern ourselves with being liked or accepted by wicked people; we only care about pleasing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Years ago I watched an Andy Griffith show when the sheriff was attempting to get a criminal to like him so he could manipulate the criminal to say or do something. Andy's son Opie asked his father, "Why would I want a criminal to like me?" This was insightful, since if a criminal likes me, then he thinks I am just like him.
Isaiah 5:21: "21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight."
Some people use the excuse that if we are nice to criminals, then we can get them to like God. This is fantasy thinking! Yes, we are to treat everyone with respect, but we are not to make wicked people close companions. It has been blatantly evident that when we are c companions with fools, we become like them.
Proverbs 13:20 "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
The need to be accepted by wicked people is an indication that we want to be seen as wise in the presence of those who are full of themselves and have no regard for Jesus Christ. Who, then, is our allegiance to: man or Christ?
If you are not willing to let go of wicked companions who attempt to draw us away from Christ and His principles, and who despise wisdom from Him, then you love them more than you love God. It is time to evaluate whether or not you have become born again.
Loss of unsaved companions is common and expected when we walk with Christ. Do not be disturbed by this. God said it would happen; we can expect it and even sense our peace return to us when those who do not love Christ work to accuse and offend us, have left.
Matthew 10:36 "36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."
Matthew 10:22 "22 And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
All those who have trusted Christ and been transformed into a new creation by Him will endure to the end. Those who do not endure and walk away from Him because of the trials and wicked companions were never born again. They didn't have the strength of the Holy Spirit to sustain them.
When we have Christ, He is enough!!!!
I have not been saddened by family who rejected me because of Christ; I have only been saddened that they have rejected Christ. My prayer is not that they will return to embrace me, but that they will at some point become born again. If I never see them in this life again, I am alright with that, but I do hope that one day I will see them in heaven when they have trusted in Christ.
Pray for the unsaved to repent as much as you wish, but if you become weary from the begging, stop until the Holy Spirit tells you to begin again. God heard all the hundreds of prayers before the last one, and they still count.
Hallelujah!!!!
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