England’s Imperial War Museum is housed in a building in London that was
a former location of the Bethlem Royal Hospital, a care center for the mentally
ill. The hospital was commonly known as “Bedlam,” which gradually became a term
used to describe scenes of chaos and madness.
It’s ironic that the War Museum would occupy Bedlam’s former location.
As you walk through the museum, in addition to stories of heroism and sacrifice
in wartime, you also find bone-chilling accounts of the madness of man’s
inhumanity to man. From the exhibits about modern genocide and ethnic cleansing
to the one on the Holocaust, it is evil on display.
Solomon observed mankind’s propensity for evil, describing it as those
who “rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked” (Prov. 2:14). While this may describe much of the
world around us, followers of Jesus have a refreshingly different way to handle
life. Paul challenged us: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with
good” (Rom. 12:21). Christ-centered actions such as
living morally (v.17), making peace (v.18), and treating our enemies with care
(v.20) will affect the world for good.
If each of us were to live as a reflection of God’s love, perhaps there
would be a lot less bedlam.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). (RBC)
