From Evildoers Come Evil Deeds: Who Are We Really?

I think I'm a pretty good guy. In fact, I want to think I'm a pretty good guy. But I also know that if I'm not careful, that want can become my enemy. It's a subtle trap—the desire to see ourselves in the best possible light can obscure what we're actually doing in the world.

There's this old saying from Scripture: "From evildoers come evil deeds." And honestly, what a line. It's poetic. It's powerful. Honestly, it might even top David's iconic takedown of Goliath: "You uncircumcised Philistine." But this? This line cuts deeper. Because it's not about someone else. It's about us.

This line reminds us that we are not defined by our self-image—how we want to be seen or how we like to think of ourselves. We're defined by the actions we take, by the patterns we reinforce, by the way our lives impact the world around us. Wanting to be kind is not the same as being kind. Wishing we were generous does not make us generous.

And here’s the truth: sometimes our self-concept—the image we have of who we are—can cover up a lot of harmful behavior. Sometimes our imagined goodness can prevent us from recognizing the damage we’re doing. We don’t mean to. But meaning well isn’t enough.

David’s words are a reminder to be honest with ourselves. Yes, about who we want to be. But more importantly, about who we are. What do our choices say about us? How do our actions align with our intentions? What story does our life tell to those around us?

It's the kind of wisdom that, in David's case, will come back to haunt him in time. But maybe for us, it’s the kind of self-awareness that can help us course-correct before we hurt others. Before our "wanting to be good" gets in the way of actually doing good.

Because in the end, it's not our imagined selves that shape the world. It's the actions we take. And from evildoers come evil deeds.

But from the humble, the honest, the self-aware? Grace has a way of showing up there too.