There's been a lot of talk lately about what causes violence, injustice, wrongdoing and evil. Some would say vanity, pride, lust, substance addiction among many things. Let's be honest with ourselves though, what is the root of evil's essence?
My best friend would say theft because the reason a lot of things are done can be due to being robbed of something -- dignity, a job, wife, husband, family, girlfriend, boyfriend, friends, possessions like a house, car, phone, wallet or even a smart device. A good observation and guess but even before theft, there has to be a leading motive.
What's the one thing people are always hollering for in order to have stability and control in life? Money. Now, money itself isn't wrong. It gives you access to a lot of things you could possibly want -- a license for vending practice, pay bills, get a phone, buy a new house, rent a new apartment, buy the next piece of gear for guitar. How about love for money? Now that is all sorts of evil. It opens the door to this little thing called greed.
What does greed do? It makes you want everything you can get your hands on with all intents and purposes being self-centered. Lucifer was greedy for glory, as though being God's favorite angel, even above Michael, wasn't enough. He wanted God's throne. He was greedy for glory. He'd be damned if he didn't equal himself to the Most High.
Even then, for greed to live in a person, there is yet another element that already took root in a person's soul -- pride and lust. Lust is an unhealthy desire for something, sometimes to the extent of personal enticement. You can lust for power, sex, money and fame. Greed is the element that says, "I want this so bad but just for me". Pride. Oh, how all that crave and desire is all about your ego, your needs and wants.
What do you get when you mix lust, pride and greed? "Vanity, definitely my favorite sin.", as the Devil says in The Devil's Advocate. Vanity is the creation of self-delusion that your self-centered, thoughts, wants and desires are the center of the universe and that you are unmatched, unrivaled and unequaled. There are people out there that are consumed by this disgusting thing. This quality, when welcomed by people, can become a beast that has an unquenchable thirst. It will drive you blind, delusional, mad and if left to its devices, it will certainly drive you to your death.
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." - Paul, Philippians 4.8 ESV
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." - Paul, Galatians 5.22-23 ESV
Regardless if you, the reader and I have an agreement in spiritual or religious views, one thing is certain -- if we are to put evil out and welcome goodness in life, I believe what the Apostle Paul speaks of is something worthy to be taken into account.