Ordinary Folks Defeating Evil
The everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay
In the movie, the Hobbit, directed by Peter Jackson, a profound conversation takes place between two sage-like characters, Gandalf and Galadriel. In this conversation, Gandalf explains why he chose Bilbo Baggins, an ordinary hobbit, to play a principle role in a dangerous but significant quest.
“Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps because I am afraid, and he gives me courage.”
There are lessons we should learn and consider in light of this:
You do not need a large social media platform to fight against evil.
You do not need to be popular to fight against evil.
You do not need to be the most knowledgeable to fight against evil.
You do not need to be a well renowned preacher or teacher to fight against evil.
You do need to be faithful and fruitful with the seemingly small things God has given you. If He has given you His Word, read and obey it. If He has given you a wife, lead and love her. If He has given you a husband, respect and submit to Him.
If He has made the womb fertile, fill the quiver. If He has given you children, disciple them to fear the Lord in all things. If He has given you a vocation, work for the highest good of others and seek to be just. If He has given you food, eat it with joy and thanksgiving.
If He has given you a local town or city, stand for and establish justice there; assume full responsibility for its wellbeing and welfare. Seek to build and develop your neighborhood and city.
If He has given you land and property, endeavor to cultivate it fruitfully. If He has given you neighbors, strive to be hospitable toward them. If He has given you a local church, unconditionally serve the people there. If He has given you a voice, proclaim His Word and sing praises to His holy name.
Whatever opportunities, gifts, time, and people God has given you, seek to be a faithful and fruitful steward of them all. This is how we fight and resist evil. This is how we win.
Ordinary people, faithfully doing their ordinary duty, is how truth defeats lies, is how beauty vanquishes ugliness, and is how good engulfs evil.