“I want to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.” Romans 16:19

In the next week, an estimated 61 percent will have made some New Year’s resolutions. Many resolutions will concern health. We want to start exercising. We want to lose weight.

Some resolutions concern our mindset. We want to have a more positive outlook. We want to aim toward some great achievement this year.

Most need to make some spiritual resolutions. However, spiritual resolutions need to go further than planning to be regular in church attendance or Bible study.

In Romans 16:19, Paul expressed a good resolution for us to consider. “I want to be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil.” Consider what Paul is saying:

First, Paul wants, “to be wise in what is good.” To say something is good is to say it is beneficial. Our society wants to blur the line between good and evil. But all can admit that many habits and pastimes have little or no benefit.

To be wise is to be able to apply what we know. Paul wants to be able to focus on things that benefit. If Paul is wise in good things, he will look back on his time being well spent. So would we, if we decided to focus on things that are beneficial.

Secondly, Paul wants, “to be simple concerning evil.” Scripturally, anything evil is useless and destructive. Basically, everything that God calls evil is useless and destructive. Paul is settled on how he is dealing with evil. He is not playing with evil. He is not debating about evil. He is very predictable concerning evil. He is not going there!

Why don’t you add one more resolution to your list? Be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil!

Dr. John A. Temple is pastor of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, located at 4032 Poplar Springs Drive in Meridian. Visit the church website online at www. psdbc.org.