Why? Why? Why?

We know that we are of God, and the whole world is under the sway of the evil one. - 1 John 5:19

How often these days do we hear of someone walking into a mall, school, or military facility, shooting people, and in the aftermath ask, "Why did they do it?" Answers often come after the fact, but when the target is civilian, the reasons do not make sense to a reasonable mind.

Why? Why? Why?

Of course, the Apostle John offers a simple response. "The whole world is under the sway of the evil one." It should be evident to everyone that those who perform these tragic acts are insane, but why? They are insane because this world is fallen. This world is evil. This world is dominated by Satan Himself. In fact, he would destroy the world and everyone in it if not for the power of God in the hearts of His children. If not for the presence of God, the Holy Spirit, this world would certainly be destroyed. Those who have been deceived by him cannot see it and, therefore, will not apart from God's transforming work.

If not for God, evil (as it is on display every day in this world) would surely reign. Thank God, it doesn't and He does.

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. - Edmund Burke (Irish Statesman)