Between Good and Evil

This morning I read in Ecclesiastes, last verse in the book.

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:14, NIV 1984)

Started pondering things I’ve done over the past few days, and doing a mental sort.

•   Spent quality time with family this weekend – good
•   Read the Bible Saturday morning - good
•   Went to church yesterday – good
•   While at church, had negative thoughts about someone – evil
•   Talked to someone at church about their life - good
•   Judged someone for something they did – evil

I could go on, but I think you get the point. Every day, we do good and evil. Pondered more – is there a middle ground – something that is neither good nor evil?

If there is, what is it? Ponder with me…

Maybe doing the wrong thing but with right motives? No, if I lie to protect someone, for example, I still lie.

Maybe doing the right thing but with wrong motives? No, Romans 14:23 says whatever we don’t do in faith is sin. To me, doing something in faith is doing what I believe is right, hence right motives.

Maybe little things like smiling at a stranger, talking to the store clerk, or watching TV with my husband fall in between good and evil. For example, if I’m deep in thought while doing them so I’m not consciously doing them to be a blessing, I can’t say I’m doing good…but it’s not evil either.

Is it?

I sense God wanting to fine-tune my sensitivity to every deed, every word, and every thought – not to make me a slave to the law and legalism, but to make me aware that I need to live more intentionally for Him all the time. And that starts with getting into His word and spending alone time with Him every day. Just like I did this morning. He gives me perspective, and brings to mind the hidden things of my heart.

It’s a sobering thought to know that every deed will be brought before God when I meet Him face to face. I want to be ready. Lord, increase my hunger for You. Create a clean heart in me, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Thank you for the Holy Spirit, and Jesus, and your great love. Make me more aware of Your presence each day.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Is there a gray area between good and evil? Does it matter?