Want to Win?

Do not let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good.

Romans 12:21 

I remember during Army Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, having to navigate Victory Tower.  Now Victory Tower is, at first up close sight, quite daunting and intimidating.  Our Drill Instructors gathered us at the rally point and explained, in great detail what we were to do, how we were to do it, and when to do it.  And if we followed their instructions to the letter, we would make it without injury.

Part of the process of Victory Tower involved repelling down one side.  In order to do this, we had to make an "improvised Swiss Seat" out of a length of rope we were given.  If we followed the instructor's instructions perfectly, the seat would work safely without any "undue pain to the nether regions."  However, if we did not follow the instructions, "there is a Medic on hand to deal with what's left."

So up we began in our effort to conquer Victory Tower while remembering all the instructions that had been thrown at us by multiple Drill Instructors in about a 10 minute briefing.  My heart was pounding like a jackhammer and my legs felt like jelly, but I was determined to conquer this obstacle.  Then came the time for the Swiss Seat.  Trying to remember how we were supposed to tie it, I did my best, grabbed the guide rope and yelled to the ground crew "Buddy Ready".  When I heard my key of "Buddy MOVE!" I began my descent toward the ground.  

Let me tell you that the feeling of the earth under my feet never felt so good and since I didn't have to go see the Medic, I felt as though I could conquer the world. I had done good!  My Drill Sergeant, crusty old gristle though he was, said so. Actually he seem rather stunned, although I'm not sure why.

But think about this, when we conquer something we fear; when we conquer some temptation; when we are able to conquer a challenge, the feeling is almost euphoric!  And here, the Apostle Paul is reminding us that if we are to overcome evil, we cannot do it by giving evil in return.  We are to overcome evil by doing good.

"Two wrongs don't make a right!"  Remember that little adage?