"But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” (Jonah 3:8-9)
Edmond Burke wrote that "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." With respect I ask, "If men do nothing while evil triumphs, are they 'good'?"
Evil might appear as if it triumphs. In reality humans continue to do what comes naturally in their fallen corruption - progress in it. Evil only diminishes in scope (falling) when humans act to preserve and prosper in what is right whether in ignorant self-interest or as a purposeful reflection of God's character and law.
Evil has already been vanquished; what was necessary for the triumph over evil was for Jesus Christ to do what He did. That which is necessary to outlive (and endure) the rise and fall of evil is to submit to Jesus Christ. It is true though, that in the face of evil, Christ followers should not do nothing--they should do the right to reflect God's character and law, and if necessary, suffer the consequence of identification with Jesus Christ in the face of evil.
The more deeply evil human tormentors are found to be, the more luscious are the spiritual fruits in them that believe. Evil outwits itself, all you have to do is the right thing.
