Choose good and reject evil

This week we explored the challenge of choosing good and rejecting evil, beginning right back in the Garden of Eden.

The record in Genesis showed the very first choice placed before humanity through the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Eve was drawn toward the serpent’s thinking that God was withholding something desirable, and both Adam and Eve chose their own way instead of trusting God’s. The immediate pleasure of sin was quickly replaced by fear, shame, and separation from God. Yet even after mankind’s failure, God still preserved a path back to life and fellowship with Him.

A major focus throughout the readings was the importance of discernment, learning to see good and evil from God’s perspective rather than our own. Human nature is very good at self-justification, convincing ourselves that wrong choices are harmless or reasonable. Passages like Psalm 101, Amos 5, and Hebrews 1 highlighted the call to love righteousness and hate evil, just as Jesus did.

The example of Solomon in 1 Kings showed the value of asking God for wisdom and discernment above wealth or power. Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 2 reminded us that following God requires a completely different mindset from the world around us. While the world focuses on temporary things, comfort, and self-gratification, the mind of Christ is focused on eternal things and living in a way that pleases God.

Galatians 5 contrasted the “works of the flesh” with the “fruit of the Spirit”. The readings challenged us not only about obvious sins, but also about everyday attitudes like anger, jealousy, envy, division, and selfishness. Even small choices throughout the day shape whether we are moving closer to God or drifting further away from Him.

There was also encouragement in recognising that the struggle against sin is ongoing for every believer. God does not expect perfection right now, but He does want persistence, repentance, and a genuine desire to keep trying to follow Him. Temptation is common to everyone, yet God always provides a way to escape and the strength to continue.

The final thoughts centred on Jesus Christ as the perfect example of someone who consistently chose good and rejected evil. As we remember Him through the bread and wine, we are reminded to keep leaning on God for strength, forgiveness, and guidance as we continue our own daily struggle to follow Him.