Romans 12:1 & 21 - Overcoming Evil with Good

I almost dread opening browsers these days. Whether it's Google or Yahoo, whether it's on my computer or on my phone... there's one disturbing headline after another. If you viewed reality constantly through that lens, you'd be convinced that the world is a rather evil place.

I was thinking about this while I was walking the dog yesterday morning--an otherwise mindless activity that sometimes allows me to meditate. It's true that after Adam and Eve ate forbidden fruit, we live in a corrupted world. But a verse came to mind: 

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

I got home and looked up the reference. It's the last verse (v.21) of Romans, Chapter 12.

It's SO relevant to life right now, I thought I'd start a series on the theme. And the best place to start is with the beginning of the chapter.

Romans 12:1  says, "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." (New American Standard, 1995) 

Overcoming evil requires sacrificing ourselves. This isn't trying to be a martyr, but giving ourselves away. It begins with giving ourselves to God. Such sacrifices are an act of worship. Giving our lives to God worships Him as the center of the universe.

We do so, knowing that He's the best one to decide how to use our lives. He's merciful, wise, and caring, and will protect anything that's given to Him, including us.

Merciful God, I worship You by giving myself to You today, soul and body, because I trust You to use me in the best way possible even while you protect, guide, and treasure me close to Your heart. So that Good may overcome Evil. In Jesus' name, Amen.