Focal Points

(Proverbs 28:28 KJV)  When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

I know that we don’t like the thought but cultures tend to go through cycles or trends and there are frequent times though history when we have seen the “wicked” (7563) “rise” (6965).  Sometimes we are too close or too invested to recognize the evil, but it exists.  It can be on a national level, a local level or even on a purely personal level but to paraphrase a bumper sticker, “Evil happens.”

First, admit it.  I don’t say accept because part of our calling is to be salt and light.  That means we speak out, take stands, make a difference.  But we can’t do any of those things unless we admit that the wicked exist.

Second, don’t despair.  Think of how the disciples must have felt when Jesus was on the cross.  Read how the two disciples felt as they journeyed to Emmaus and Jesus had to re-teach them everything.  Our attitude toward life is based on a confidence and trust in a risen Lord who has conquered death.  He hasn’t bailed us out of taxes, but the ultimate persecution holds no fear.

So?  Evil exists.  So does Television.  That doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of time watching it.  Focus on Jesus, the Hope of Ages.