My favorite stories and TV shows often have the classic theme of good vs. evil. I think that’s why superhero stories and stories about magic are so popular. The main character is given the ability and power to make a difference and goes about trying to save the world, or at least those they come into contact with.
My personal favorites are often about an internal battle. In these stories, the main character usually comes across circumstances in life which reveal a darker urge inside themself and force them to intentionally choose between good and evil. This is true for all of us. It began early on when faced with the decision to listen to our parents when they said, “No” as we were about to touch the hot stove. It continued and we chose to either join our peers in teasing someone, say nothing, or stand up for the person being teased. It was our decision whether or not to sit with our regular group of friends at lunch, or sit next to the child sitting all alone. We chose whether or not to help the person who asked us for help getting gas for their trip back home. We chose which words to use when we were angry. We chose whether or not we listened to the Holy Spirit prompting us to initiate a conversation with the person behind us in line. We chose whether or not to intervene when we saw a man threatening his wife in the parking lot. We are presented with choices every day of our lives, giving us opportunities to choose between good and evil.
There is a Cherokee Parable about two wolves, which says:
One evening, an elderly Cherokee brave told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, “My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.”
The grandson though about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one that you feed.” *
In the Christian faith, we believe the Holy Spirit helps empower us to choose what is good. I believe there is truth and wisdom in both the Cherokee legend and in yielding to the Holy Spirit. Choose good today. Read Romans 7:14-25, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally!
Annie
Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7%3A14-25&version=NRSV
Joy Lutheran Church Ocala, Florida 