Stomp Your Feet
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Romans 16:16-20 RSV
16. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. 17. I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. 18. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded.19.For while your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I would have you wise as to what is good and guileless as to what is evil; 20. then the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
The words to a song I learned several years ago while chaperoning a Youth Group trip to the mountains of North Carolina go like this: Be excellent in what is good. Be innocent of evil. [Repeat]. And the God of peace will soon crush Satan. God will crush him underneath your feet [400+ teenagers jump up and stomp on the wood floor as loudly as they can][Repeat verse and stomp]. Before the meeting hall underwent a major renovation I was a bit leery of standing under the balcony! Now though, that stomp reverberates loud enough that I’m pretty sure Satan heads off to the hills during this song!
Guileless means without deceit or duplicity. So, guileless as to what is evil would indicate you are not experienced and cunningly skilled at committing evil deeds or thinking evil thoughts. Sometimes guileless can refer to one who is not “too quick to pick up on” things, or who may be easily fooled or deceived. Paul is telling the Romans to be good as disciples and believers. He’s also telling them to hold each other accountable for their behavior; don't be fooled by smooth talkers, and don't let them decieve your brothers and sisters in Christ, either.
While we are not intended to remain insulated from the world, never venturing outside the walls of our churches or the confines of neighborhoods and communities, we are cautioned to be on guard. The Evil One waits for any opportunity upon which to seize his chance to win a soul away from God. I am aware that there are some who don’t believe there is actually a being in the form of the devil. Whatever you define as evil/sin that exists in the world – that which interferes with our relationship with God, is what I view as Satan.
We are to rely upon our faith community as our support and source of encouragement. We are to care for each other and hold each other up. We are to spur one another on toward works of service and good deeds. That is how we stand against evil and sin. We are never alone as long as we are in Christ. And the Holy Spirit works in and among our fellow Christians to strengthen us and grant us wisdom.
My prayer today is that you are excellent in what is good and innocent of evil. And while you’re at it, join God in stomping on Satan!
Mary
