B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 19
August 30, 2013
The Security Of Mediocrity
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches: feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full and deny thee, and say Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. Proverbs 30:8-9
As a teen, mediocrity was not acceptable. I had dreams and aspirations of being the fastest, strongest, richest and most powerful. I wanted it all. Little did I know what I was seeking. My father often pointed out that I needed to be content with my station in life. But I refused. I sought after greatness rather than seeking after God.
The Israelites did the same thing as they obtained the Promised Land (Deut 31:20). As they gained wealth in land and plenty of food, they turned their back on God. And the extreme of poverty causes the same rejection of God. Did Job's wife not encourage him to curse God and die? (Job 2:9) Extremes in wealth cause us to loose focus on what is important - a close walk with God.
Only when I changed my focus, as a young adult, did I find success. Not in being the best but in finding peace. Many people can quote Philippians 4:13 (and even see it during football games). But how many can quote just two verses up?Philippians 4:11 states: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." This is the biggest challenge we have in staying close to Christ. The worries of worldly concerns will cause us to lose focus on what is important (Matt 6:25)
I believe Agur was speaking directly to me in the opening verse. The strength of my relationship with Christ is challenged when I encounter extremes in physical conditions. Therefore, I need to be content in my station in life, no matter what it may be - at the top, bottom or somewhere in between. I need to practice being content where I am (thanks Paul).
It is easy being thankful for the many blessings God bestows upon us. But the challenges? Join me today in giving thanks for ALL that God has bestowed upon us. When we recognize mediocrity is where we are, let's be thankful!
As a teen, mediocrity was not acceptable. I had dreams and aspirations of being the fastest, strongest, richest and most powerful. I wanted it all. Little did I know what I was seeking. My father often pointed out that I needed to be content with my station in life. But I refused. I sought after greatness rather than seeking after God.
The Israelites did the same thing as they obtained the Promised Land (Deut 31:20). As they gained wealth in land and plenty of food, they turned their back on God. And the extreme of poverty causes the same rejection of God. Did Job's wife not encourage him to curse God and die? (Job 2:9) Extremes in wealth cause us to loose focus on what is important - a close walk with God.
Only when I changed my focus, as a young adult, did I find success. Not in being the best but in finding peace. Many people can quote Philippians 4:13 (and even see it during football games). But how many can quote just two verses up?Philippians 4:11 states: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." This is the biggest challenge we have in staying close to Christ. The worries of worldly concerns will cause us to lose focus on what is important (Matt 6:25)
I believe Agur was speaking directly to me in the opening verse. The strength of my relationship with Christ is challenged when I encounter extremes in physical conditions. Therefore, I need to be content in my station in life, no matter what it may be - at the top, bottom or somewhere in between. I need to practice being content where I am (thanks Paul).
It is easy being thankful for the many blessings God bestows upon us. But the challenges? Join me today in giving thanks for ALL that God has bestowed upon us. When we recognize mediocrity is where we are, let's be thankful!
August 29, 2013
Machine-Gun Mouth
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. Proverbs 29:20
Have you ever said something and immediately wished you could take it back? We all have at one time or another. Unfortunately, once the words are spoken, the damage is done. Solomon is pretty harsh in his judgement of such a person in the verse above. Solomon describes a fool in Proverbs 1:7 as "... but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Sadly, that is the case. We all know better - that it is better to think before speaking. However, I often lose control of my mouth and it spits out foolish statements much like a machine gun. Spraying a pattern of fire and pain every where it hits. And the injury caused by one short burst can take a life time to overcome.
So how do I overcome such a repeated mistake? By allowing God to have control over my life. In Matthew 10:19-20, Jesus directs that the Holy Spirit will guide us in what we should say. So it is apparent who is in control over my life, and my tongue, when I say such words. Join me in prayer today that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all aspects of our life today - especially our tongues!
Have you ever said something and immediately wished you could take it back? We all have at one time or another. Unfortunately, once the words are spoken, the damage is done. Solomon is pretty harsh in his judgement of such a person in the verse above. Solomon describes a fool in Proverbs 1:7 as "... but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Sadly, that is the case. We all know better - that it is better to think before speaking. However, I often lose control of my mouth and it spits out foolish statements much like a machine gun. Spraying a pattern of fire and pain every where it hits. And the injury caused by one short burst can take a life time to overcome.
So how do I overcome such a repeated mistake? By allowing God to have control over my life. In Matthew 10:19-20, Jesus directs that the Holy Spirit will guide us in what we should say. So it is apparent who is in control over my life, and my tongue, when I say such words. Join me in prayer today that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all aspects of our life today - especially our tongues!
August 28, 2013
The Source Of Happiness
Happy is the man that feareth alway; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 28:14
People are constantly seeking happiness. Many feel they can achieve happiness through financial freedom, political stature, climbing the corporate ladder or climbing mountains. But Solomon points out the simple truth to happiness. It is not what we do physically but spiritually.
David says it best in Psalms 19:8-10: "The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." Like father, like son - David and Solomon knew the secret to happiness - fearing the Lord. And David goes even further to enlighten us - it is not riches (gold) but fearing the Lord that puts a smile on our face and our heart.
May your demeanor be sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. For you know your source of happiness. And nothing on this earth can take it away.
People are constantly seeking happiness. Many feel they can achieve happiness through financial freedom, political stature, climbing the corporate ladder or climbing mountains. But Solomon points out the simple truth to happiness. It is not what we do physically but spiritually.
David says it best in Psalms 19:8-10: "The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." Like father, like son - David and Solomon knew the secret to happiness - fearing the Lord. And David goes even further to enlighten us - it is not riches (gold) but fearing the Lord that puts a smile on our face and our heart.
May your demeanor be sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. For you know your source of happiness. And nothing on this earth can take it away.
August 27, 2013
A True Friend
Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off. Proverbs 27:10
It is easy for us to recognize a True Friend. They are there for you no matter what the situation may be, they are not in the relationship for their own personal gain and they stick by you no matter how horrible you may behave. But the verse above really cause me to pause and rethink friendship.
I can understand not forsaking your friends - that is what friends are for. But your father's friend? Look closely at the first part of the verse - you have a responsibility to not only your friends but your parent's friends as well. Why? I personally (not biblically) believe it is part of showing respect to our parents by honoring their friends. Especially, as the years slip by, it is comforting to know that the younger generation will befriend the elderly in times of need. We have many references that the Lord will plead the cause of widows (Psalms 146:9). Hence we should show them respect and honor.
And the second half of the verse above is even more challenging. We often misquote it by saying "better is a friend in the day of our calamity". But Solomon did not use friend, he used neighbor. A neighbor? I believe Solomon was alluding to Jesus' teachings. Let me explain. Did Jesus not say "Love thy neighbor as thyself" in Matthew 22:37-39? And look closely at Jesus guidance in John 15:12-14: "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." So if we love our neighbor as our self and we demonstrate our love for friends by giving up our life for them, our neighbors will be our friends!
What a challenge! If we demonstrate our love to our neighbor, he will be our friend... and the love we should demonstrate is the love of Christ. It all comes full circle - as the love of Christ flows out of us to others, we can not help but be their friend!
I love the promise in John 15:14, that we will be His friend, if we follow His commandments. There is no one better to cast our cares upon than our Best Friend - Jesus Christ. No one fits the definition above for a True Friend better than Jesus. He is always there for us, no matter how we have behaved. Won't you call upon Him today? Friends love to spend time together, right?
It is easy for us to recognize a True Friend. They are there for you no matter what the situation may be, they are not in the relationship for their own personal gain and they stick by you no matter how horrible you may behave. But the verse above really cause me to pause and rethink friendship.
I can understand not forsaking your friends - that is what friends are for. But your father's friend? Look closely at the first part of the verse - you have a responsibility to not only your friends but your parent's friends as well. Why? I personally (not biblically) believe it is part of showing respect to our parents by honoring their friends. Especially, as the years slip by, it is comforting to know that the younger generation will befriend the elderly in times of need. We have many references that the Lord will plead the cause of widows (Psalms 146:9). Hence we should show them respect and honor.
And the second half of the verse above is even more challenging. We often misquote it by saying "better is a friend in the day of our calamity". But Solomon did not use friend, he used neighbor. A neighbor? I believe Solomon was alluding to Jesus' teachings. Let me explain. Did Jesus not say "Love thy neighbor as thyself" in Matthew 22:37-39? And look closely at Jesus guidance in John 15:12-14: "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." So if we love our neighbor as our self and we demonstrate our love for friends by giving up our life for them, our neighbors will be our friends!
What a challenge! If we demonstrate our love to our neighbor, he will be our friend... and the love we should demonstrate is the love of Christ. It all comes full circle - as the love of Christ flows out of us to others, we can not help but be their friend!
I love the promise in John 15:14, that we will be His friend, if we follow His commandments. There is no one better to cast our cares upon than our Best Friend - Jesus Christ. No one fits the definition above for a True Friend better than Jesus. He is always there for us, no matter how we have behaved. Won't you call upon Him today? Friends love to spend time together, right?
August 26, 2013
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by ears. Proverbs 26:17
It is very tempting, at times, for us to meddle where we have no business. When we see people who are arguing, we sometimes feel that it is our responsibility to add our "two cents" into the conversation. And the results? Much like described above, it is similar to grabbing a dog by the ears. You are more than likely going to get bitten, you are just not sure which hand! Is it not the same in the middle of a confrontation when you stick your nose in? You will get "snapped at" but you never know which side will lash back.
Rarely is advice given during turmoil heeded. Both sides need to cool down in order to listen to reason. So why do we risk it with such dismal results? Because we think we can help. And while we know that counsel provided to calm people is beneficial, it is like casting your pearls before the swine when the individual is irrational. (Matthew 7:6)
What is our best recourse when we see strife between people we know? Prayer. Only He can perform miracles; including repairing relationships. Do you know someone suffering from personal strife? Lift them up to the Lord. For he knows their situation and can solve all of our problems. Save our pearls and keep our hands from being bitten, for he is the answer to any problems we may have!
It is very tempting, at times, for us to meddle where we have no business. When we see people who are arguing, we sometimes feel that it is our responsibility to add our "two cents" into the conversation. And the results? Much like described above, it is similar to grabbing a dog by the ears. You are more than likely going to get bitten, you are just not sure which hand! Is it not the same in the middle of a confrontation when you stick your nose in? You will get "snapped at" but you never know which side will lash back.
Rarely is advice given during turmoil heeded. Both sides need to cool down in order to listen to reason. So why do we risk it with such dismal results? Because we think we can help. And while we know that counsel provided to calm people is beneficial, it is like casting your pearls before the swine when the individual is irrational. (Matthew 7:6)
What is our best recourse when we see strife between people we know? Prayer. Only He can perform miracles; including repairing relationships. Do you know someone suffering from personal strife? Lift them up to the Lord. For he knows their situation and can solve all of our problems. Save our pearls and keep our hands from being bitten, for he is the answer to any problems we may have!
August 25, 2013
Taking Care Of your Enemies
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink; For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee. Proverbs 25:21-22
Oh, sweet revenge! Have you ever had the pleasure of having the upper hand on someone who has done you wrong? You know the one - the individual, that just the thought of their name makes your blood pressure boil. How you have longed for the day to pay them back for the injustice they have done? And now, there they are - at your mercy. What a feeling! Your mind races with various options to make them grovel, to humiliate them, to show the world how worthless they really are....
But wait. Solomon tells us above to do something totally different. Be nice to them. What? After all these years of suffering and now be nice to them? When I have them in the palm of my hand and able to crush them like the bug that they are? Yes, be kind to them. Paul repeats the guidance in Romans 12:20-21. And goes on to say, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" That's easy for Paul to say. He never met this creature that has caused me such heartache!
And yes, David gives us a physical demonstration as well. Remember his actions of catching Saul sleeping after being chased around the mountains for years? Did he give the mad king what he deserved? Nope, he let him go. Twice. (I Samuel 24:4 andI Samuel 26:8). I am not sure that I could forgive such a man once, let alone twice.
And Jesus recognized my weakness. Therefore he gave specific guidance, especially to me, regarding our enemies in Matthew 5:43-48. And he goes even a step father in that we should pray for those who despitefully use and persecute us.
And does he ever give us an example. On the cross. He prays for their forgiveness. (Luke 23:34) I can not say that anyone has harmed me to the point of taking my life. And here is our Savior giving his life for those who despised him and praying for their forgiveness. Including me and you before our repentance. If we are truly trying to be Christ-like, he forgave us - why can't we forgive others? It makes my anger and hatred seem petty.
Do you have someone in your life that has caused you pain and suffering? Why not pray for them today? Seeks God's grace to allow you the strength to forgive them as well. Then we can understand Jesus in verse 48 saying, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect".
Oh sweet forgiveness! As we bask in the knowledge of being forgiven by our Savior, lest us share forgiveness with our enemies.
August 24, 2013
Champions In Adversity
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. Proverbs 24:10
Football season is here! My favorite time of the year when I actually get excited about sports. Growing up in a small town in Alabama, high school football was king. Everything, and I do mean everything, stopped during the football game! Over the years, I have relocated north but I still love SEC football (War Eagle!) and still pause my chores to watch a great game on Saturdays.
My youngest son is preparing for the season by participating in the conditioning practices before the season. And the basis for conditioning practices? To build strength and learn a few more fundamentals of the game. Nothing is quite so embarrassing as "running out of gas" early in the fourth quarter! Kind of like the verse above - you condition in preparation for the game so that you will have adequate strength.
The same applies to our spiritual life as well. We must condition ourselves by studying God's word and applying it to our lives. Then, when we are challenged, we have the inner fortitude to make the correct decisions and not be swayed from our conviction. Strength comes from practice and we must practice God's word in our lives on a daily basis. For we can not win the battles of the world with our own strength. David sums it up best in Psalms 18:32-33: "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places." We need to recognize our source of strength and exercise it daily.
Nothing feels greater than leaving the field as a champion! We too can be champions in Christ if we are adequately conditioned to face the challenge. Call upon him and he will renew your strength.
Football season is here! My favorite time of the year when I actually get excited about sports. Growing up in a small town in Alabama, high school football was king. Everything, and I do mean everything, stopped during the football game! Over the years, I have relocated north but I still love SEC football (War Eagle!) and still pause my chores to watch a great game on Saturdays.
My youngest son is preparing for the season by participating in the conditioning practices before the season. And the basis for conditioning practices? To build strength and learn a few more fundamentals of the game. Nothing is quite so embarrassing as "running out of gas" early in the fourth quarter! Kind of like the verse above - you condition in preparation for the game so that you will have adequate strength.
The same applies to our spiritual life as well. We must condition ourselves by studying God's word and applying it to our lives. Then, when we are challenged, we have the inner fortitude to make the correct decisions and not be swayed from our conviction. Strength comes from practice and we must practice God's word in our lives on a daily basis. For we can not win the battles of the world with our own strength. David sums it up best in Psalms 18:32-33: "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places." We need to recognize our source of strength and exercise it daily.
Nothing feels greater than leaving the field as a champion! We too can be champions in Christ if we are adequately conditioned to face the challenge. Call upon him and he will renew your strength.
August 23, 2013
Wealth With Wings
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings: they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:5
We often place undue value on fleeting objects of desire. I remember in junior college having the goal of dating the most popular girl on campus. For months, that was all I could think about. How to get introduced, what to say and hopefully an invitation that would not get turned down. And wouldn't you know it? All of that hard work paid off! I actually got a date with the Homecoming Queen! The days of anticipation prior to the date were spent planning and analyzing how to make the evening the most unforgettable event in the history of man kind! And when the event happened? Fireworks and bands playing? Nope, the biggest let down of a life time! She was very kind and sweet but it was the most boring date of my life! Talk about a lot of wasted effort...
We often laugh off such events as childish behavior. However, are we any better as adults? Don't we still have dreams of sleek cars, big boats and even bigger homes? Once we get them, are we content? Do any of these last longer than a lifetime? The answer is usually no. The desire, if not the object of desire, seems to fly away much like described in the verse above.
Imagine the results if we were focused on Christ in such a manner. The enthusiasm and effort would have immeasurable results upon the kingdom of heaven. Jesus tell us in Matthew 6:19-21 where to place our heart and treasures.
In my story above, I was continually focused on making the girl my prize. Today, let's keep our focus on our heavenly prize. By focused thought and prayer, our efforts will reap us the treasure that matters most!
We often place undue value on fleeting objects of desire. I remember in junior college having the goal of dating the most popular girl on campus. For months, that was all I could think about. How to get introduced, what to say and hopefully an invitation that would not get turned down. And wouldn't you know it? All of that hard work paid off! I actually got a date with the Homecoming Queen! The days of anticipation prior to the date were spent planning and analyzing how to make the evening the most unforgettable event in the history of man kind! And when the event happened? Fireworks and bands playing? Nope, the biggest let down of a life time! She was very kind and sweet but it was the most boring date of my life! Talk about a lot of wasted effort...
We often laugh off such events as childish behavior. However, are we any better as adults? Don't we still have dreams of sleek cars, big boats and even bigger homes? Once we get them, are we content? Do any of these last longer than a lifetime? The answer is usually no. The desire, if not the object of desire, seems to fly away much like described in the verse above.
Imagine the results if we were focused on Christ in such a manner. The enthusiasm and effort would have immeasurable results upon the kingdom of heaven. Jesus tell us in Matthew 6:19-21 where to place our heart and treasures.
In my story above, I was continually focused on making the girl my prize. Today, let's keep our focus on our heavenly prize. By focused thought and prayer, our efforts will reap us the treasure that matters most!
August 22, 2013
The Great Equalizer
The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is maker of them all. Proverbs 22:2
Have you ever felt a little less than others? Instead of overwhelming those around you, you feel that you are underwhelming? Many factors can impact our image of our lowly self: wealth, social status, physical appearance or abilities or simply how we perceive ourselves.
Take a closer look at the verse above, the Lord made us all. No matter how rich or poor we may be, we all have one creator. Job addresses the same issue inJob 31:13-15. We are all created by the same creator. And take courage in knowing that nothing we are or do affects our ability to come to Christ. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
And don't forget the most famous verse of the bible: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). It doesn't say whosoever is rich, famous, athletic or politically connected but whosoever believes in Christ. No matter our station in life, as believers of Christ, we have the greatest gift of all: Eternal Life.
So lift your head, stick out you chest and smile. You have the greatest gift of all and no one on earth can take it away from you! And the ones that used to intimidate you? They are no better than you, for they were created by the same Master.
Have you ever felt a little less than others? Instead of overwhelming those around you, you feel that you are underwhelming? Many factors can impact our image of our lowly self: wealth, social status, physical appearance or abilities or simply how we perceive ourselves.
Take a closer look at the verse above, the Lord made us all. No matter how rich or poor we may be, we all have one creator. Job addresses the same issue inJob 31:13-15. We are all created by the same creator. And take courage in knowing that nothing we are or do affects our ability to come to Christ. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
And don't forget the most famous verse of the bible: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). It doesn't say whosoever is rich, famous, athletic or politically connected but whosoever believes in Christ. No matter our station in life, as believers of Christ, we have the greatest gift of all: Eternal Life.
So lift your head, stick out you chest and smile. You have the greatest gift of all and no one on earth can take it away from you! And the ones that used to intimidate you? They are no better than you, for they were created by the same Master.
August 21, 2013
Role Reversal
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Proverbs 21:13
It is so easy for us to judge others! Human nature causes me to look down my nose and condemn others. Often, we do not know what led them to be in that situation or the conditions surrounding their case. But with my haughty spirit, I don't care - it is obvious what the problem is and they should be ashamed of themselves! Have you ever had such an attitude toward someone? It is a pity that we think we know it all when we can't see the heart of the individual - only God can. And only God should judge.
How quickly your attitude changes when the roles are reversed! It doesn't matter what chain of events got you there. But you wind up in a similar situation and do you feel ashamed. My first response is humiliation. Because I am initially more concerned about what others will think. I know in my heart what I had thought of others in the same situation. What a shame. Then I came to my senses and ask forgivness from God for my previous thoughts.
Jesus provides us a parable in Mathew 18:23-35 of the exact same situation where an individual's roles were reversed. And the basis of the parable? Forgiving those who sin against you. Look closely at the last verse: "So likewise shall my heavenly father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." (Matt 18:35)
Ouch! A little bit more harsher of a role reversal where your eternal life hangs in the balance! So as we go through our day, let us demonstrate the love of God and forgivness to others. At home, in the car or the work-place, we have multiple opportunities to show God's forgivness to others in how we handle the insults and injustices thrown our way. Each and every one is an opportunity to reverse the evil with good.
It is so easy for us to judge others! Human nature causes me to look down my nose and condemn others. Often, we do not know what led them to be in that situation or the conditions surrounding their case. But with my haughty spirit, I don't care - it is obvious what the problem is and they should be ashamed of themselves! Have you ever had such an attitude toward someone? It is a pity that we think we know it all when we can't see the heart of the individual - only God can. And only God should judge.
How quickly your attitude changes when the roles are reversed! It doesn't matter what chain of events got you there. But you wind up in a similar situation and do you feel ashamed. My first response is humiliation. Because I am initially more concerned about what others will think. I know in my heart what I had thought of others in the same situation. What a shame. Then I came to my senses and ask forgivness from God for my previous thoughts.
Jesus provides us a parable in Mathew 18:23-35 of the exact same situation where an individual's roles were reversed. And the basis of the parable? Forgiving those who sin against you. Look closely at the last verse: "So likewise shall my heavenly father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." (Matt 18:35)
Ouch! A little bit more harsher of a role reversal where your eternal life hangs in the balance! So as we go through our day, let us demonstrate the love of God and forgivness to others. At home, in the car or the work-place, we have multiple opportunities to show God's forgivness to others in how we handle the insults and injustices thrown our way. Each and every one is an opportunity to reverse the evil with good.
