by Pastor Afolabi Oladele

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

But how? Paul sensitizes each of us to a basic but most ignored truth that humans in general are under the rule and deceptions of Satan, the devil (John 12:31; Ephesians 2:2; 6:12). No Christian should sit idly by and let the darkness of this world dictate events but rather make a conscious choice to fulfill God’s mandate letting the light of God shine through them (Matthew 5:14-16). Even if evil personally comes upon us, we are commanded to not respond in kind but instead overcome it by doing what is right (Romans 12:20-21).

My confrontation with this came in the crossfire of Board room politics! In the prevailing conflict and standing up for the truth I hold, praying about the matter was not an option. Rather I got a direct instruction from study of Philippians 1:12-21, where I was instructed that ‘if this scripture cannot be your focus, reason and motivation for remaining there, then you are in error. Your reasonable option is to leave.’

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:12-21

All other considerations must be purged to fit “making Christ known.” Wherever this goal is countered or threatened by selfish ambition or conduct, get out of there fast for that will be a clear manifestation that we are pursuing an ephemeral, earth bound worldly end that ties up with Satan. What will you do with this understanding? It is your choice to make. Selah.