How can we "seek good and not evil" in our daily lives today? Seek Good, Not Evil: Amos 5:14 “Seek good, not evil, that you may live. And the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be with you, as you have said.” (Amos 5:14) Grasping the Historical Pulse Israel’s prosperity had masked deep moral decay. Through Amos, God delivered a straightforward command: pursuing good is the only path to life and fellowship with Him. That same literal call still rings true. Let Scripture Define Good and Evil • Scripture, not shifting culture, sets the standard (Isaiah 5:20). • “Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9) • “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11) Daily Habits That Pursue Good • Start each day in the Word—let God’s voice shape thoughts before headlines or social media (Psalm 119:105). • Guard the mind: choose music, shows, and online content that honor Christ (Psalm 101:3). • Practice sincere love at home—serve family before self (John 13:34). • Speak truth with kindness; refuse sarcasm and half-truths (Ephesians 4:29). • Work with integrity—be on time, finish tasks, refuse gossip (Colossians 3:23). • Steward money for generosity: support church, missions, and those in need (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). • Look for small justices: defend the bullied, welcome the outsider, protect the unborn (Micah 6:8). Practical Steps to Refuse Evil • Recognize cultural noise that normalizes sin; step back when discernment flags a warning (Proverbs 4:14-15). • Turn off entertainment that glamorizes immorality or violence (Romans 13:12-14). • Distance from divisive talk; redirect conversations toward peace (Titus 3:10). • Confess sin quickly—no rationalizing or blaming (1 John 1:9). • Replace temptation with purposeful action: worship, exercise, service, fellowship (Galatians 5:16). Weaving Worship and Justice Amos condemned empty ritual; God wanted worship that spilled into righteous action. “Let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:24) • Prioritize gathered worship—sing, pray, listen, respond. • Support ministries that feed the hungry, visit prisoners, rescue trafficked victims (James 1:27). • Vote and advocate for laws that uphold biblical morality and protect the vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8-9). Living in the Promise of His Presence As we seek good and reject evil, the Lord Himself walks with us: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8) “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) Keep pressing forward; “in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) |
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