If we consider the idea that God is behind the force of grace in our lives, then this naturally leads us to consider the opposing force. What exactly is the nature of the spiritual entropy, laziness, selfishness, fear of challenging ourselves and pushing out our limitations? For the sake of discussion, if we label our efforts toward spiritual growth "good", we can justifiably label the opposing force "evil". Just as we call the source of the goodness in our lives God, we can call the source of the evil influence in our lives the devil.

We do not need to debate doctrine and identify precisely who or what God is and the devil is in order to benefit from this understanding. What matters is that we grasp the concept that there are two diametrically opposed forces operating in every facet of our lives. One force, "God" is always pulling us along towards goodness, and the other force, "evil" is doing everything it can to hold us back. We are in the middle, so it is in our best interest to be aware of how the force of grace is working in our lives so we can work with it and resist the opposing force. 

GOOD expressed to an extreme degree manifests itself as total unselfishness: always putting others before yourself, always caring and considering what you can do that will benefit other's spiritual growth and well being. 

vs.

EVIL carried to the extreme manifests itself as total selfishness: aggressively pursuing the satisfaction of your own desires to the total disregard of the health, well being, and lives of other people.

Stealing, murder, rape, and most other crimes are in reality expressions of selfishness taken to the extreme. This selfishness in our society is undeniable, and it is also evil. When evil manifests itself, the response of spiritually healthy people is concern and righteousness, which can then actually motivate them to do good, more good than they would otherwise do. How many people have started missions or charities after learning of the terrible injustices that have befallen children in third world counties, famine caused by political reasons, or mass starvation? Evil can be used by good to further more goodness in this way. We can grow spiritually by involving ourselves in the fight against selfishness, ignorance, and evil.

It has been said "all it takes for evil to flourish is for enough good people to do nothing". How true!