The Shadow in Our Hearts: A Sermon on Wickedness

Introduction: The Persistent Weed of Evil

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We gather today to confront a truth as old as humanity itself: the presence of wickedness. It lurks in the corridors of power, festers in the hidden corners of our hearts, and stains the pages of human history. Like a persistent weed, it threatens to choke the garden of God’s love.

Part 1: The Allure and Manifestations of Wickedness

The Bible speaks openly about wickedness, its seductive power, and its destructive consequences. In the Book of Psalms, King David, a man who walked in both the light and the shadow, laments: “The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him” (Psalm 37:12). This verse paints a picture of a heart consumed by malice, a deliberate turning away from God’s light.

But wickedness is not confined to grand acts of evil and villainy. It can manifest in the seemingly mundane: a lie told to protect ourselves, a promise broken in a moment of weakness, a heart that turns a blind eye to the suffering of others. In Proverbs 6:16–19, we find a list that exposes the insidious nature of wickedness: “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a troublemaker who sows discord among brothers.” These verses expose the many ways wickedness can take root in the fertile ground of our imperfections.

Part 2: The Wages of Sin: A Stark Warning

The Bible does not shy away from the consequences of wickedness. Isaiah 5:20 declares, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” When we blur the lines between right and wrong, we create a world where chaos reigns and destruction follows. Throughout history, empires built on foundations of wickedness have crumbled, leaving behind a trail of devastation.

However, the message of the Bible is ultimately one of hope. Romans 6:23 reminds us that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Wickedness may hold temporary sway, but through God’s grace and forgiveness, we can find redemption.

Part 3: Choosing the Light: Steps Toward Redemption

So how do we combat the darkness within and around us?

First: Acknowledge the Shadow

The Apostle John writes in 1 John 1:8, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Recognizing our own capacity for wickedness is the first step towards choosing a different path. We must confront the shadows within ourselves, acknowledging the ways we have strayed from the path of righteousness.

Second: Seek Refuge in the Light

Through prayer, scripture study, and fellowship with fellow believers, we can strengthen our faith and draw closer to the source of all light and goodness, God himself. Ephesians 6:11–12 instructs us to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened your belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” By actively seeking God’s presence in our lives, we can equip ourselves with the strength to resist temptation and choose the path of righteousness.

Third: Become a Beacon of Light: Embracing Righteous Action

Finally, we must choose to be instruments of good in the world. Micah 6:8 tells us what the Lord requires: “to act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” This means actively fighting against injustice, showing compassion to the suffering, and living with humility and integrity. It means speaking truth to power, extending a helping hand to those in need, and choosing forgiveness over vengeance.

Conclusion: A Brighter Tomorrow

The fight against wickedness is a lifelong battle. But we do not walk this path alone. We have the teachings of the Bible, the strength of our faith, and the support of our community to guide us. Let us be a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace. Let us choose kindness over cruelty, generosity over greed, and love over hate. In doing so, we can become a beacon of light in a world that often seems shrouded in darkness. Together, we can create a world where the shadows recede and the light of righteousness shines ever brighter.

May God bless you all on this journey.