1999 (Columbine High School, Littleton, CO) was in many ways the pivotal year for mass shootings, especially relating to schools. Since that time shootings akin to this have increased, sometimes becoming even worse for the number of killed. Each time a mass shooting occurs – most recently in Uvalde, Texas – we all are numbed by the tragedy. The questions rise to the surface as to Why? How?
Many from all sides and perspectives jump in with thoughts and possible solutions. However, not much really happens. No large changes are brought about. Instead, we find ourselves at even greater odds against one another in an already divided nation.
As Christians and pastors of churches, how do we respond? Empathy? Yes. Heart-felt words of comfort including prayer? Yes. Physical and material blessing that help to sooth? Yes. All of these and more are needed. So why haven’t things changed? Why has God not brought about healing to this nation? What have we not done that we need to do?
“In a 1940 survey of public school teachers, the top disciplinary problems listed were: talking out of turn, chewing gum, running in the halls, dress-code violations, and littering…now the top problems that this generation’s teachers report are: drug and alcohol abuse, pregnancy, suicide, rape, robbery, assault, and shootings. Things are unquestionably worse in our schools than they’ve ever been in the history of this nation.”[1] What has happened to cause these huge changes and the disasters that are taking place? It may have much to do with us – Christians. We have largely opted out of being involved, of being change factors for our culture, of pretending that God does not want to use us. Perhaps we just do not want the conflict of standing up for the values God has given us, not only to live by personally, but also to confront an evil and perverse generation with what is right and good.
We are on this earth and in our country because God has placed us here…to spread His Good News. The change He makes in each of our hearts is the only solution. ”The problem lies in our hearts, and only God can change the heart. There is no other solution to this problem. Restricting, modifying, or adjusting laws about guns will not stop the violence. It will merely alter the forms through which violence manifests itself. Even addressing mental health issues, without leading people to the Lord, will prove ineffective in the long run. Only a heart change will result in a real cure.”[2]
When we get involved by running for office, joining the School Board, or volunteering for a community committee, we find ourselves with a platform to speak and to explain God’s principles for life. Be bold to stand against bad teaching, evil books, perverse life-styles, and ineffective laws. Provide students opportunities to sit down knee-to-knee and eye-to-eye with believers to ask questions. Discover God’s answers from His Word, the Holy Bible, in our churches and homes. Promote biblical teaching rather than worldly philosophy by writing to your representatives, congressmen and senators.
Pastors Bud and Betty Miller of BibleResources.org, give many more insights into today’s crisis and the Christian’s response. At the end of the article they list ten contributing factors that have brought about our current cultural dilemmas.[3] Consider these as idea starters for igniting your church with action. Everyone can find at least one action they can take. (Romans 1:28-29; 2Timothy 3:1; James 4:1-2).
Foundations of Truth hereby waives all claim of copyright (economic and moral) in this work and immediately places it in the public domain; it may be used, published, edited, and distributed in any manner whatsoever without any attribution or notice to Foundations of Truth.
