Why Does Evil Persist?

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"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these..." (Gal. 5:19-21, NASB)


   Watching the news can be depressing, especially lately. It seems as though each new day brings a fresh tragedy in which someone's life is permanently  destroyed or completely taken from them. Every day we are affected by evil: that which comes directly into our lives, that which affects our friends and loved ones, and evil that simply rears its head all around the world and causes our hearts to break, our minds to fog, and our security to be shaken. Evil truly is all around us. So, the pressing question for many is why does evil exist or why does God allow evil?  The term "theodicy" in theological studies, is the attempt at understanding why evil exists. Personally, I maintain a biblical worldview, which means that I view creation through the eyes of God's Word, and not human philosophy. As far as I am concerned, evil exists because a certain former angel named Lucifer, due to pride, chose to rebel against God, and brought that same rebellion into the human world. Without accepting the fact that God has allowed sin to exist for His purposes in exalting over evil, which we may never fully understand. The fact remains that evil is present, and affects us all, but why does it persist?  

   Evil is not really about education, religion, sexuality, race, health, environment, or any other area of life, although each of these can shape and impact our view of the world. Evil is really all about the heart. Notice what Paul writes in the above verse, "The deeds of the flesh are evident...." The "deeds" he is referring to are those things which are found within the heart/mind of those who do not have the Spirit of God dwelling in them: i.e., born-again Christians. Earlier, in the gospel accounts, Jesus said,  "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things." (Matt. 12:34, NASB) Although Jesus was speaking of our words (literally the things which come out of our mouth) He offers insight into a larger principle of humanity: what comes out of our lives as a result of what is in our lives. In other words, the things that we say and do are a direct reflection of what lies within us, whether it be good or evil.

   Evil persists, quite simply, because humans are inherently spiritually evil, at least until one comes to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Once the Holy Spirit has taken up residence in an individual's life, the nature of the person begins to change. Again, Paul said, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." (2 Cor. 5:17, NASB) Sadly, the truth is that evil will always persist until Jesus Himself returns and ultimately does away with it. And that day will most certainly happen! For now, we have the assurance that when evil does touch our lives our LORD is present to comfort, guide, and heal us. If you are struggling with the effects of evil in our world, why not ask Jesus to come and help you? 

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