The latest mass shooting hit me a bit close to home. I was born in Lubbock, but was raised in Odessa, TX. I am a graduate of Odessa High School, where I met my wife. Our wedding was held at the West 22nd Street church building, just down the street from the elementary school I attended as a child.
We have a big problem in our nation. Gun violence is disturbingly common. It is, however, one of the most visible symptoms of a much deeper societal problem. Politicians are seeking solutions, but don’t seem to have a willingness to acknowledge the underlying disease that has afflicted our people. Perhaps it is time to turn to scripture for a true cure, rather than seeking merely to treat the symptoms of our broken nation.
Setting my cards on the table, I acknowledge that I support the second amendment. I believe the amendment gives the right of individual gun ownership to American citizens. Personally, I have always had a healthy fear of guns, and have never been a hunter, or particularly interested in firing weapons. A few years ago, I decided to get a concealed carry license, and now own three handguns. My rationale for this is my recognition of my own relative inability to protect my wife and myself. I am diligent to handle my guns safely, have never had a problem with controlling my anger, do not go to places where fights or conflict would be common, and expect that the possibility of needing that gun is relatively small. However, my wife is too precious to me to just hope for the best. There is evil in the world.
Why is that evil there? That is the question that should be asked. Our political leaders acknowledge the evil, and try to come up with ideas on how to make that evil less effective in harming us. However, the effort to reduce evil is lacking. In fact, most of the political rhetoric of the day contributes to the problem! There is too much hatefulness and vitriol in our discourse to accomplish any lasting cure for what ails our nation. The Bible has the cure. Here are some principles to consider.
Respect the sanctity of life! The Lord told Noah, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man” (Genesis 9:6). The death penalty, implemented by civil authority, shows the respect of a nation for life. When men realize that murder is an egregious crime against God and man, punishable with their own execution, that realization serves both as a deterrent, and a testimony that the nation values life.
Our nation has legalized the extermination of life in the womb. How can we claim to be a nation that values life when so many of our leaders and people protect the murderer, and support the killing of the most vulnerable among us? “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21).
Respect Authority! The recent videos showing police officers in New York city being doused with water was so disheartening. There is little respect for civil authorities in our nation. This is a direct violation of God’s law. “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2).
Some might ask, “What if the authorities do not deserve respect?” God’s answer is to let Him deal with that. Remember, Paul’s instructions in Romans 13 are directly applicable to the first century Roman empire. The civil authorities were not fair, nor were they treating Christians well. They were still to be respected. Paul writes, “Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake” (Romans 13:5). The simple answer is that we must obey civil laws, and subject ourselves to governing authorities because it is a responsibility before God. Not because they are perfect or good, but because God is, and He requires it of us!
Raise children in a stable home. The stable home, one that consists of a father and mother who protect and love their children, is a rarity in our day. God’s plan is for a man to leave his father and mother, to cleave to his wife, and for them to establish a partnership that lasts throughout their lives. This is God’s plan. He knows best. (cf. Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 6:1-4). Divorce, homosexual marriage, latchkey children, children being raised by grandparents, single parent homes, men and women living together, all of these things violate God’s pattern, and are harmful to children. Some may object, giving anecdotal exceptions, but to know this is true you simply have to look up and observe!
Other principles could be mentioned. We need to be more civil to each another. We need to look out for others, and seek to be inclusive and loving. In effect, we need to be a righteous nation, not one steeped in sin!
This nation needs to repent. Some might say, “That’s no cure. Many don’t even believe in God, and you are calling for repentance before Him?” Well, I didn’t say our nation would take the cure, only that it is the cure. Failing that, efforts will be made to treat the symptoms, while the patient becomes sick even unto death. America, turn to God or else our problems will wax worse and worse!
