1 Peter 3:11
“HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD;
HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.
Peter is describing the godly life that we are intended to live. This is originally a quote from Psalm 34. David was giving details about the one who fears The Lord.
“He must turn away from evil and do good”. What’s evil? It sounds sinister. If it were a movie, the dark music would play as the evil character walked in. It’s not that. We all do evil.
Evil is going against God’s ways; Godless actions. This isn’t always evident. Small children throw tantrums when they don’t get their way. Their friends make fun of them for their weird behavior. So they stop the tantrums. However, the selfishness may still exist at the heart level. It’s just become more civilized.
Jesus focused on the heart. Matthew 5:28 says, “but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” The lustful look may not be visible to anyone. Yet, it’s as if the person is sinning. Society isn’t there to punish this action that isn’t happening yet.
We need to obey God at the higher level; in our hearts and minds. Deuteronomy 4:9 says, “Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart…”
How do ensure it’s from the heart? The reasoning becomes almost circular. Sometimes we don’t feel like doing it. We are still to do it. It may not feel sincere. Do it anyways. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
Lord, help us to follow You sincerely; avoiding evil.