We don’t have to look far or listen long to find evil. Whether it’s a news story about someone breaking the law or junk that pops up in ads, evil is all around us.

So, what are we to do?

First, we must identify it. The New Testament teaches specifically what kinds of thoughts and actions are evil. It is our responsibility to read and study Scripture.

But knowledge is not enough. Obedience is required. God knows we struggle with obedience so thankfully He gave us the Holy Spirit to help. Not only does the Spirit speak to our hearts as we read God’s Word, He also reminds us of God’s expectations.

Jesus taught, “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.” (Matthew 12:35 NLT).

How do hearts become good or evil? If it depends on the input we treasure, we need to stop and examine what we are exposing our mind to. What language, pictures, and lifestyles are we watching, hearing, and replaying in our head? What influencers are we paying attention to? Who and what are we allowing to impact our heart?

Let’s heed the warning and advice found in Proverbs 4:23. “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (NLT). Wow! See how input can affect our life?  We must be alert.

Finally, hear Paul’s instructions to the church, “[B]ut test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 NLT).

Sounds like an action plan! Let’s diligently protect our heart, keeping a huge distance between our heart and anything evil.