There’s a situation I know of that strikes close to home for me.  That means it doesn’t have anything to do with any of the people I presently pastor.  It is the family for which I did a series of bible studies for… at the request of the husband… when he said he wanted their marriage to heal.

Without going into great detail, the husband that requested the Bible studies abandonded his family of a wife and four children… moved out of the city… is now living with an adultress who he is now engaged to… and harasses his bride and children.  Most recently his wife had to leave where she was living because he was not fulfilling his financial responsibilities as a husband.  And to my embarrassment, I baptized him…

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Some people who know of the situation have described this man as being sick. I am convicned that he is not sick… he is evil.  Some say a normal sane person wouldn’t act as he does. I say he is conducting himself in a manner consistent with an unregenerate person… one who is not saved.  Some say that he is mentally ill. I say that he knows exactly what he is doing and is conscioulsy choosing to follow the path he is living on purpose.

The difference between a person being sick and evil is not easy to define.  In my estimation evil is a sickness… a sin sickness.  And the quicker we call a spade a spade, the sooner we will be able to address the situations as God would have us to by using spiritual weapons.  Consider…

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…