Why is it so easy to do evil and so hard to do good?
When I was a teenager I once asked my minister: "Why is it so easy to think and do wrong, and why is it so hard to think good thoughts and do good deeds?"
I'm not sure exactly what answer he gave, but all my life I realize that my existence is a constant struggle to make choices of right over wrong, even when right is not comfortable.
It takes no effort and seems automatic to become envious, think the worst of others and to put your own interests first. To do right takes thought, effort and often fighting against our natures.
Through the Bible I have learned that we have been created with the natures we have. One important purpose in living is to overcome that nature. Becoming a Christian is becoming like Jesus Christ in whom was no guile or deceit. In other words, He overcame human nature and lived just like His Father in Heaven.
God wants us to learn that our natures left unchecked lead to what we see in the state of the world with its conflicts, poverty and general misery. While it takes effort, thinking and doing good things leads to peace and well-being. That's what everybody wants, but we can't have it unless there is a change in our nature. Is that even possible?
Here's what the Bible says about this matter.
First, from the words of Jesus Christ:
"What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man" (Mark 7:20-23).
Is there any remedy?
How about this:
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:12-16).
We may not know everything there is about our human nature, but the Bible does! Through Jesus Christ, we can have the help we need to make the changes in behavior and thought that many of us dearly want to make. Conversion is changing. That's the definition of the word.
Ultimately our sign to those outside of us is a model of decent behavior.
Paul's praise of the model behavior of the Thessalonica congregation rings loudly as the most powerful influencer of faith to others:
"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere" (1 Thessalonians 1:4-8, New International Version).
If you're ready to take the next step and begin changing your life, read the Bible study aid Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion.
It will help you grasp the bigger picture of why we are how we are. It will show you how to successfully manage your human nature and begin the process of change.
PS: I would like to hear about how you have come or are coming to conversion. Please write to me at victor_kubik@ucg.org.
