Seek good and not evil is the theme for our reflection. Prophet Amos admonishes Israel to repent by following the commandment of God and most importantly seeking justice and protecting the poor and vulnerable in the society. The leaders of Isreal and the rich were admonished, “For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts. Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil. Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.” (Amos 5:12-15).
Dear friend, we shall have a just society when we all seek good and not evil. Many who are placed in leadership positions and governance do not seek the good of the masses but rather seek evil by taking bribes and being corrupt. People use their power to deprive the poor of their rights and basic necessities. Few people possess the wealth of the masses and systematically impoverish the masses with burdensome taxes. Christians must always seek good and not evil because our Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to seek our good and not evil when He said that “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:10-11). Christian politicians, leaders and the affluent in society must use their privileged positions or statuses to seek the good of the masses and not do evil or take advantage of the plight of the poor and vulnerable. We incur the wrath of God when do evil with our positions and power. We are admonished in Jame 4:17 that “…whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” To further encourage the Philippian church to always do that which is good, pleasing and worthy before God, Paul wrote that “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9). The Church and for that matter Christians must always seek good by pursuing justice and respect for human dignity in our societies. Jesus reminds us to seek good and not evil in the world when He said that, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16) Shalom.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, strengthen us to seek good and not evil in a world already filled with injustice and oppression. Enable us to be the salt and light of the world even as we await the redemption of the world. Amen.
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