Keep Evil Out

Consider the Bible passage about the return of the unclean spirit. “Then it goes and brings back with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they move in and dwell there; and the last condition of that person is worse than the first” [Matthew 12:45]. How could the unclean spirits return and dwell within that person?

Because that person allowed evil back in. Unless we work each day to keep evil out, it creeps back into our lives. “Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm!” [Isaiah 7:9].

Truly, our faith is tested in every temptation and disturbance, especially when we do not feel the Lord’s presence in our daily living. Remember: the devil—the evil one—cannot read our minds. However, he can influence our thoughts by manipulating, twisting, and distorting the truth to pull us away from God and from one another.

Power Against Evil

Therefore: “Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil” [Ephesians 6:11]. What is the armor of God? The belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, a shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God [Ephesians 6:14–17].

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” [James 4:7]. Then, do not relinquish power against evil by losing hope or thinking prayer is a waste of time. Each time we believe we are all alone in the world or feel we are not worthy of God’s loving redemption, we open the door to the devil and his demons. We can keep evil out by keeping within us a dwelling place for the Lord.

We journey to our ultimate destinies by our free choice and preferential love [CCC 311]. What do we choose? By our own free will, are we centered in the Lord’s love or do we doubt his love? “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him” [John 14:23]. We may not always feel the Lord’s presence or recognize his hand at work, but rest assured, he is with us as long as our hearts are open to him.

Be Firm

When we abide in God’s love—following the way, the truth, and the life of Jesus Christ our Savior—we have protection for our daily living. “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” [Philippians 4:6–7].

With that protection, and with our repentance, we can do more than keep evil out of our own lives. We are called to become conduits for the Lord’s work in our world. With God’s grace, we can partake in sharing faith, hope, and love with those who are lost.

May we always be firm in conquering evil with good. Let us not return evil for evil, or insult for insult [1 Peter 3:9]. Instead, may our light shine before others so they may see our good works, giving glory to God [Matthew 5:16]. Dear Lord, help each of us to be always compassionate, humble, and kind to one another. Help us to forgive as you forgive each of us, and God save us all. Amen.