GUNS AND SALINE

This morning I am not writing as a pastor, but as a citizen. Sure, I’m still a pastor–but for now I am just another citizen of the world, who just so happens to also be a follower of Jesus and a pastor. But these words are churning in my mind and heart AS a citizen. And today’s musings are longer than usual. And you may be wondering about today’s title.

When pharmaceutical companies develop new medications they run tests to see if it works. Volunteers become part of the research; some receive the developed medication and others receive a placebo such as normal saline solution. And we all know that saline solution will not produce the desired outcomes from this research. Now, on to this ordinary citizen’s thoughts.

Once again the news is flooded with the tragedy of another mass shooting; this time at Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. Three adults and three children were senselessly murdered. And once again, empty heads are talking about guns and “assault” rifles. And as tragic as the Covenant School shooting is, it’s not the only tragedy happening. Birmingham, Alabama has had 8 homicides in the past 9 days; the latest being a 16 year old female juvenile. She was the second one from the same high school in recent days.

And this week, Huntsville, Alabama Police Officer Garrett Crumby died after he and another officer responded to a domestic violence call. The other officer is in critical condition in a local hospital. These cities are within a hundred mile radius of where I live. And every day my son puts on the badge to protect and to serve–not knowing if the next call will be the End Of Watch for him.

And I haven’t heard anything on the national news about either of these “other” tragedies. And I would not be surprised that within a hundred miles of where you live, similar tragedies are happening there. But empty heads want to ban assault weapons, even handguns, because of the latest incident in Nashville, Tennessee and declare that this is the antidote for these types of tragedies. Take away the guns and the problem is solved.

Now, I’m not downplaying what happened in Nashville; it breaks my heart and has caused me to cry because it is a tragedy; one of many tragedies. And the news and talk about Nashville has been more about the 3 children than the 3 adults who were also murdered. Isn’t the senseless taking of their lives also a tragedy? I’m not comparing those adults to the children. Listen, senseless tragedies have nothing to do with the ages of the victims. One cannot compare the situations where human lives are ended violently. One is not worse than the other. Tragic is tragic is tragic.

But eliminating firearms is like giving a cancer patient saline solution rather than the medication and hope for the best. And before someone asks if I own any firearms, I admit I do; several, but I’m not a member of the NRA before you accuse me of that. I have handguns and long guns. Two of them belonged to my Dad. And yes, I do own an AR-15–but it self-identifies as a single shot bolt action rifle. Point is, each of my firearms has it’s own purpose and meaning to me. And not a single one of my personal collection has ever prompted me nor caused me to go out and senselessly kill other people. Maybe my entire collection is defective since they haven’t committed any gun violence.

Listen up, folks! We’ve got a problem here, but it ain’t the guns. The REAL PROBLEM is people; how they think and what’s in their hearts. What we have here in the good old U.S. of A. is the total disregard of the value of human life. What has led us to this point? As with all problems, there are multiple causes. Here are some of the causes that I see that led to this week’s tragedies. There are in no particular order of importance, except the first one!

• Abortion! When the most vulnerable of any society are unprotected and considered just a mass of cells and tissue, then it leads to the attitude that NO life is important. Failure to protect unborn life has led to the disregard of “born” life. When one life isn’t considered as important as all other lives, well, we see the result.
• Participation Trophies! Where there is no impetus to improve the quality of your own life, then it leads to that sense of entitlement. And when they don’t get what they want, then it’s unfair to them, or so they think. Others are their problem. There is no tools given to them to take action and improve their lives.
• The Blame Game! Some are always looking to blame someone or something for their situation in life. No one is held accountable for their decisions and actions.
• Pseudo Science! In the tragedy that happened in Nashville, news is coming out that Audrey Hale was being treated (unsuccessfully) for feeling transgendered. Hold on there, I’m not even suggesting that all transgendered people are mass shooters. I didn’t say or imply that; if that’s what you were thinking, the YOU said it, not me! But apparently the “treatment” she was receiving wasn’t resolving her feelings. Pseudo Science at it’s worst! And because of the HIPPA Laws, Ms. Hale’s condition could not be reported and added to the national background database used to purchase firearms. Had it been reported, then it is highly likely her purchase would not have been approved.
• Failure To Treat Mental Illnesses! Again, I’m not even slightly suggesting that those with mental illnesses are future mass shooters. What I am saying is that it’s been a pi## poor job done when it comes to treating people mental illnesses. Many insurance carriers provide very little to help those with mental illnesses. My own state has eliminated the vast majority of “beds” for treatment of those suffering with some form of mental illness. There is only a small percentage of those with mental illness who are a threat to others. Most are a threat to themselves.
• The Parents Who Want To Be Their Kid’s Friend Instead Of Their Parent! This has been going on for some time now. When I did something wrong as a kid, my parents never tried to defend me. They taught me that I made a poor decision and thus, I had to accept the consequences. They loved me enough to let me face those consequences. Parents who shield their kids from consequences? Well, they just don’t love those kids enough.

I could go on with more reasons why such tragedies happen every day. And they will continue happening until our society realizes that we’ve got a human problem. This problem we have did not happen overnight. It’s been incubating and breeding now for decades and generations. So, the solution won’t happen overnight, either. It’s going to take determination and a whole lot of bravery to challenge the empty heads who say it’s a gun problem.

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IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE!

Here in Alabama, yesterday, Tuesday 24 May 2022, started out as an important day. It was the Primary Election Day. And I was a clerk at one of the local precincts. During the day, we discovered that another shooting had happened; this time at a school in Uvalde, Texas. And in The Blink Of An Eye, our hearts were broken for a community we had never heard of, until then. My mind and heart immediately started praying for the community. As of this writing the death toll stands at 19.

These were 19 people who were getting ready for the end of the school year. Most of which probably had wonderful plans for the summer break. It would be a time to catch their breath and enjoy life. Now–in The Blink Of An Eye–those wonderful plans quickly faded away. In The Blink Of An Eye, an entirely community has been forced to cope and find ways to deal with the chaos that must be flooding their minds and hearts. Vacations? Plans for playing with friends? Sleeping in? All these and much more are only a distant memory at best. All in The Blink Of An Eye.

And immediately the blame is being placed on an object. And no, this is not the time to talk about protecting the Second Amendment. In fact, it’s entirely inappropriate and callousness to the n^th degree. It’s time to change the conversations and the narrative. The true narrative is EVIL! Objects are not evil–but become evil in the hands of people who are under the influence of evil. Folks! Here’s the hard, cold, reality: These are EVIL times and all because so many have turned a blind eye to what is evil. Minds and hearts must be awakened to this horrible reality. And we must address it and make the narrative about evil. Evil is an attiude, a heart, and spiritual force. Because it is spiritual, laws and such will not change it–CANNOT change it. This is a war that is first fought on our knees and then in our hearts.

Remember what Paul wrote in Romans chapter 12, verse 21–“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Good, as defined by The Bible! The life of the young shooter will be analyzed and over-analyzed many times. But the core–the core of the problem will, more than likely, be unmentioned. The core is evil, and it’s time to speak into the true narrative. And what we speak next, will determine if evil wins or loses. I leave you with more words from Paul, found in Ephesians chapter 5, verses 11-16. And pay close and careful attention to the last line:

¹¹ Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. ¹³ But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, ¹⁴ for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” ¹⁵ So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. ¹⁶ Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

(The New Living Translation)

What’s Broken? More Than You Realize!

Yesterday it happened again. This time it was in Oxford Chartered Township, Michigan. This time 3 students are dead, 1 teacher and 7 students were wounded, some seriously. Reports say it was done by a 9mm Sig Sauer with multiple clips purchased by the shooter’s father 4 days earlier. That isn’t accurate reporting–and the American people, and people around the world, deserve better reporting than this.

Yes, the shooter had the aforementioned 9 mm Sig Sauer–but it didn’t do the shooting. The thing about guns, any gun, is that they are incapable of doing anything by itself. Here are some quotes from this article in the aftermath of this tragedy–and it is a tragedy!

In a statement, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer described gun violence as a “public health crisis,” adding: “No one should be afraid to go to school, work, a house of worship, or even their own home. This is a time for us to come together and help children feel safe at school.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Politicians seem to think that if something is declared a “public health crisis” that people will rally together to put an end to it. But she has been misinformed–this is NOT a public health crisis. Hong Kong Flu; small pox; Ebola; salmonella; tuberculosis; cancer; heart disease; anthrax; COVID–now these are most definitely health crises. The problem is much deeper. Here’s another quote from the article:

“We must act to properly address gun violence in our schools and the ongoing threat of another unconscionable tragedy if we continue to only offer thoughts and prayers,” Ms. Nessel said. “Our kids deserve better.”

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel

She is both right and wrong–which makes her declaration false and invalid! She is absolutely correct in asserting that our kids deserve better. No doubt about this statement. But what she said before this nullifies and makes void her assertion that kids deserve better. The problem goes deeper.

And the Average Joe or Average Josephine will quickly pipe up and say, “The problem is we took the Bible and prayer out of our schools! That’s the problem!” Joe and Josephine, I am sorry, but I am here to inform you there is some bad news. You are now standing with Governor Whitmer and Attorney General Nessel. You are wrong also! The problem goes much deeper.

More laws and putting the Bible and prayer back in schools will not stop tragedies such as this from happening again. Thinking like this is like putting a Scooby Doo band aid after your brachial artery has been cut. The bleeding will continue until death arrives. As I mentioned several times, our problem goes much deeper that social or even religious band aids. But not beyond the abilities and willingness of Jesus.

What we have here is a twisted perspective that is blind to the critical social, political, and moral problems that is akin to a 9.0 earthquake on the Richter Scale. People and leaders are treating symptoms rather than causes. And any doctor worth his or her weight in salt knows that there are medical issues where treating the symptoms does nothing to cure the disease. And here is where we are! The issues are complex–beyond most folks abilities to comprehend, much less resolve.

Doctors who define the disease without offering cures are worthless. Though the issues are complex, the “treatments” are not so complex–but it will be an uphill battle. Here are some things I offer for your considerations:

• Read the Bible at home! Make it a priority at home and you won’t need the teachers to read it to the kids.
• Pray together as a family! Those prayers are more effective and powerful than any prayer said out loud a school.
• Have no less than one meal a day where all the family is together. No electronic devices allowed during meal time.
• Establish clear boundaries for what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Whining and throwing a hissy fit because they didn’t get what they want is UNACCEPTABLE behavior.
• Be consistent with your punishments. Don’t over-react, but don’t under react.
• Teach that there are always consequences for their choices and their reactions. We can’t control others but we can control our reactions.
• Let them know life isn’t fair–but it can be good if you so desire.
• Respect others, especially older adults and those in authority.
• Nobody owes you anything! ‘Nuff said!
• Hard work and determination are virtues and will help you achieve worthwhile goals and will give you both inner peace and outer contentment.
• Life doesn’t owe you anything! You owe life–to help others succeed and to be kind.
• Putting down other people only makes you lower than the ones you talk about.
• To care more than to be cared for is the recipe for a successful life.
• Don’t be your kids’ friend! They have friends! What they need are parents who act like parents. If they call you “mean”, remember that it will mean more for their development in the long run. You do not exist to be loved by your kids. Your purpose is to do everything you can, even the hard things, so that your kids won’t be mentioned in the evening news!
• Model all these virtues before your kids. They are virtues because they will encourage and build up their hearts more than anything else.

How long before the Whitmers and Nessels of the world realize that our current path JUST AIN’T WORKING! Coddling and excusing bad choices are what led us to what happened yesterday in Michigan. Laws didn’t prevent it from happening. More laws won’t prevent another tragedy from happening. The real PROBLEM goes deeper, much deeper. Treating the symptoms will only lead us into more problems. The solutions are deeper, much deeper!

THE DANGEROUS ELMER FUDD

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Yesterday I said I would be back with God helping me. Well, He did and here I am. Not all of my reflections are on God’s Kingdom, but they are influenced by His Kingdom. So today I must issue this Disclaimer: This isn’t a spiritual subject I’m addressing today. It is, though, a very human subject that penetrates to the core of our culture in the good old U.S. of A. And if other alleged “experts” can speak into this mess, then so can I; so here goes!

I’m 65 years old. As a kid, I watched Elmer with a gun. But I never shot anyone. I saw Bugs Bunny doing all kinds of violence against other Daffy Duck and others. Yet I never acted violently against anyone. I watch Yosemite Sam’s outbursts and shooting his side arm. But I never went ballistic, shooting up any place. I watched Wile E. Coyote try to catch the Roadrunner. And amazingly, I’ve never ordered dynamite, missiles, or traps from Acme.

Now, if I listen to the dribble being purported as the truth–by now I should be a raging man of extreme violence. According to the “experts”, my wall should be mounted with all kinds of trophies of the people I’ve killed. But the only things I have killed is some squirrels, a few rabbits (NOT Bugs), some game birds (NOT the Roadrunner or Tweety), a few coyotes (NOT Wile E.), and a healthy parcel of deer (NOT Bambi).

We are being told, on a frequent basis, that gun violence is to blame for all those tragic shooter situations. I cannot remember the exact number of guns, both handguns and long guns, that I have owned over the past 65 years. But I do know that not a single one of them ever committed an act of violence. It’s hard for me to believe that of the dozens of firearms I’ve had in my possession, all of them were defective. They must have been, and my current stock of firearms must also be defective, because not a single one of them has ever committed an act of violence. The deer might disagree with me–but the gun didn’t act on it’s own. I had a hand in it; actually my left eye and finger.

And this gets me to my point this morning. Why are people no longer being held responsible for their choices and decisions? Be it violence with a stick, a pipe, a fist, a bat, a knife, or even a firearm–what has happened to personal responsibility? They want to blame everything for this violence–except the person who commits it.

These “experts” want to blame it on cartoons. I refer you back to my second paragraph. And have you ever watch “modern” cartoons? My Dad had a conniption when Clark Gable said “damn” in “Gone with the Wind”. Today’s language is far worse. And the plots of these “kid’s” cartoons promote stupidity to infinity and back. (Sorry, Buzz Lightyear, no offense intended to you.)

And then these “experts” want to blame lifeless, inanimate objects for exerting undue and unnecessary influence on people. This is what the term “gun violence” declares, not implies. What is causing so much violence? Here are a few ideas, maybe some will think the novel or new, but they are tested and proven over the centuries.

• There is this thing call consequences for choices and actions–and each person makes their own choices–so own those choices
• Kids not being made to be kind, respectful and courteous
• Kids being allowed to make decisions that they are neither mentally, emotionally, and intellectually equipped to make (such as what gender they are)
• Being recognized for just being present; we call them participation trophies (see this previous blog of mine)
• Giving kids everything but morals and values which put others first instead of themselves
• Disrespecting the most vulnerable of the human race; it’s called abortion. I mean if they see that babies can be eliminated because they are unwanted or their gender (yes, gender selection is a reason for some abortions)–how can anyone respect the life of another person?
• And above all these (and the many more I could add to this list), is that this world owes them absolutely nothing–but that they owe the world hard work, compassion, to dream of what builds people up rather than tear them down.

Our problem in this nation and world isn’t a gun problem but a human problem; it’s not gun violence but human violence. Now, you can disagree with me if you want–you have that freedom and are free to make that choice. But disagreeing with me doesn’t make we wrong. You can believe are you right–but you’re still wrong.

When Hate Is Allowed And Acceptable–Throw It Out There Thursday 6 February 2020

After watching the evening news yesterday, there was no doubt about today’s Throw It Out There Thursday! There were 2 events that prompts more than just “Throw It Out There”–but this definitely qualifies as a rant. So please put your trays in their up position, have your seat in the upright position and buckle your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Tuesday evening Kimberly Police Officer Nick O’Rear was shot and murdered while on duty. I once served the Kimberly Community and my heart breaks for them. You can read about it HERE. Officer O’Rear had a family, 2 children and one on the way.

And on Wednesday, Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joseph Bullock was gunned down when he stopped to assist a disabled motorist on Interstate 95 at a rest stop in Martin County on Wednesday. He was shot and killed by a person who was with that vehicle.

In 2019, 48 law enforcement officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty. This number does not include those morons who weren’t paying attention while driving and “accidentally” hit an officer with their auto. So far in 2020 there have been 12 deaths. I have many friends in law enforcement. And I have a son who is law enforcement. And it seems that a certain segment of society has put a target on anyone and everyone who carries a badge. And now, I have placed the Throw It Out There Target on that certain segment of society.

I’m not going to call out by name a certain political party, so I’m only going to refer to them as the FAH Party. FAH is the acronym for Fear, Anger and Hate Party. They are influencers of our culture creating, you guessed it, FEAR, ANGER AND HATE! Their recent debacle in Washington D.C. is not even the tip of the iceberg of chaos they are promoting. This has been going on for some time.

I never joined the AARP because of their use of FAH. Years ago I let my NRA membership lapse because of their use of FAH. The FAH influencers have turned this nation into a culture where the value of human life means nothing, especially towards those in law enforcement. The FAH Party has nurtured and promoted the value of distrust of authority beyond the level of the 1960’s.

Everyday that Deputy Matthew Burbank and those who wear the badge with pride and dignity goes out to Serve and Protect, there’s someone with a smartphone who wants to take out of context what he HAS to do in order to Serve and Protect. Everyday someone who distrusts authority is out there who would like nothing more than to end his and his brothers and sisters existence.

And the FAH Party followers even target innocent people simply trying to live their lives. FAH Party stirs up jealousy against those who work hard. Heck, we can’t even worship in peace. I am doing something I never thought I would have to do. Each and every Sunday I carry a concealed weapon just in case a FAH follower decides they don’t like what we say or do.

FAH blinds people to the consequences of their actions. It causes them to whine and throw temper tantrums when they don’t get their way. Those operating under the influence of FAH believe they are right and the rest of us are not just wrong–we are mean racists, sexists, bigoted, misogynists, and are the problem. If we would just become FAH Believers then everything would be hunky-dory!

Not to minimize the tragedy from the Coronavirus, but FAH is doing far more damage to the fabric of human civilization than any disease or virus. So to the FAH Party Members I say:

• Thanks for putting my son in more danger than he was in the hell holes he went to as a committed member of the U.S. Army.
• Thanks for creating the fog of chaos that is blinding people.
• Thanks for pointing out imaginary problems.
• Thanks for always pointing out what’s wrong but never offering solutions.
• Thanks for nothing!

But what can be done to end this vile, lecherous, odoriferous plague set loose upon civilization by the FAH Party? We can refuse to Fear, be Angry, and we can certainly stop Hating. We can be examples of courtesy and respect, especially with those with disagree. We can pray for ourselves to become the best examples for the human race. We can not give money to any organization that promotes Fear, Anger or Hate. And in the good, ol’ U.S. of A., we can vote!

And it’s on this last point, voting that I encourage you to PTP—Pray, Think and Participate by going to the polls to vote. Don’t let polls and the FAH news outlets determine who to vote for. Speaking from experience, sometimes the septic tank needs to be pumped out and cleaned.

We Have A Problem–And It’s Human Violence!

Well, it’s time for another edition of my Monday Musings. But truthfully, I don’t have a heart this Monday for “musings” about our culture, leaders, churches, groups of people, or an individual. My heart is broken for the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement near Fort Worth. Just in case you haven’t heard, here is the link to the story. And let’s not forget the stabbing (which by the FBI definition is also considered an active shooter situation) at a Hanukkah celebration in New York. My heart breaks for this tragedy as well. (Here is the article on this tragedy.)

We are living in a culture that devalues human life. Now there’s an understatement for all times. And while my heart was breaking, I read a thread on the Fort Worth tragedy that made me…well…made me scratch my head. Here, see it for yourself–the name has been redacted to protect both an innocent and the stupid:

That last comment…”If you church has to have police and security, then you’re going to the wrong church.” Really? If this person sent their DNA to ancestry.com, I’m sure they would tell him he is kin to Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. Those were Job’s 3 alleged friends who asserted that bad things only happen to bad people. And I guess this IS my musing on this Monday.

No one is immune from evil. Just ask Jesus. And while there are those who want to blame a piece of milled metal for these latest two tragedies, the truth is those things did not cause this pain and suffering. It comes out of human hearts that have little to no regard for any human life. And all the blame cannot be placed on the assailants, though there bear their share. I see the contributing factors in two truths.

One Truth is that in a society when the most vulnerable can by considered, by a choice, as an inconvenience–unwanted–or unneeded–well, the rest of the human race is also considered expendable. To devalue even one life is to devalue all human life. After all, we are all made from and of the same stuff.

Another Truth is the loss of the Absolute Truth of God’s Word. People have moved from the time tested and proven Orthodoxy for a system where it all hinges on one’s feelings. Feelings cover the complete gambit of the human experience. While feelings can lead to something good–feelings can also lead to tragedy and pain; such as we witnessed this weekend. When people think they know more about God than His Preserved Word, nothing good will ever come out of it.

Anyway, that’s how my musing is working today. Just remember, in spite of all the evil and human violence out there, Followers of Jesus–you have your mandate: Love God with all your heart. Love others the way Jesus loves you. And make sure all the glory goes to HIM! This will accomplish more than blaming inanimate objects or talking ugly about other people. Oh, one more musing, “There’s a lot more ways to hurt people other than with guns or knives. Your words, attitudes, actions and lack of actions wound others just as deeply, if not more so.”

Why Not Go Ahead?

(Disclaimer: I am NOT a member of the NRA)

Tragedy–“an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress”. The past 2 weeks we have seen this definition of tragedy intensified to the n^th degree. My heart aches for all of the victims, friends and communities. And the rallying cry of our culture is to fix it so it won’t happen again, or at the very least, make it more difficult to happen again. On this we can all agree. I am tired of seeing these tragedies happening over and over. And please, do not forget that these tragedies happen every day in other places. Last weekend there were 7 killed and 46 injured in Chicago, alone. The cause of these tragedies has a label: “gun violence”. So, what is the “solution”?

Let’s use our imaginations right now and not hold them back. Let’s imagine for a season that suddenly all lawmakers agree 100% to pass every proposed law that is believed would limit, even eliminate the next tragedy from happening. Not a single dissenting vote. I know, some of you are thinking that this is fantasy not imagination. Just humor me, OK?

Imagine that those on the left, who for decades have insisted you cannot legislate morality, change their minds and say, “Yes! We can legislate morality! We’re so sorry we said you couldn’t.” And imagine those on the right saying, “You know, we never saw gun control as a morality issue, and we’re sorry for that.” So, the left, the right, and the middle vote unanimously in favor of those laws. The POTUS signs the bills. Imagine now how different our culture will be because of the legislation.

That very evening, sporting good business, gun dealers, ALL immediately take the banned guns off the shelves and walls. The new background check system is implemented that night. Coders and programmers work diligently throughout the night to make it happen. The very next morning, it is a new dawn and a new day. There are no banned guns anywhere. All people line up at local law enforcement agencies and turn in all banned guns. This senseless “gun violence” is a thing of the past. After all, this is the purpose of all that new legislation. Right? Few, if any tragedies to read about, right?

This “solution” is based upon the premise that the presence of such guns is the true “cause” of these horrible tragedies. Eliminate this “cause” and these types of tragedies will cease to be so prevalent. Thus, we see the word: Gun Violence.

While this “Solution” seems to be logical, it leaves out one element; an overlooked component of these recent tragedies. A man from long ago, noted for his wisdom, describes the missing component this way:

This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead.

Ecclesiastes 9:3 (NIV) (emphasis mine)

The Supposition Of This Legislative Solution is elimination of the object equates elimination of the tragedy. The real cause of these recent (and all other) tragedies is what lies not on the shelves, but in the heart. The prophet Jeremiah, sharing what God revealed to him put it this way:

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV)

The Wisdom from Heaven embodied in Jesus, gets us to the crux of this matter when He said:

²⁰ He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. ²¹ For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, ²² adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. ²³ All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

Mark 7:20-23 (NIV)

If Jesus had waited until our current culture to arrive in human form, he would have put it this way: “Look, it’s not what’s on the shelves that is hurting everyone. It is all that stuff, that evil stuff that is coming from the heart that’s the source and cause of what is happening. These kinds of evil tragedies come out of the heart, not the store.”

Out of the evil in the heart of Santino William Legan, he would have found another way. The evil in Patrick Crusius’s heart would have led him to another way. Even Connor Betts would have found a different way. And of the 53 casualties in Chicago last weekend, I doubt any of the guns used were purchased legally. Chicago has some of the strictest laws concerning gun purchases and ownership.

But…it’s so much easier to blame an inanimate object that to admit the current Ethos of our culture has led us to this…this way too frequent tragedies. Some say our Ethos is broken–not so fast, my friend. Every culture has an Ethos –some good, some not so good, and others are down right evil.

it’s so much easier to blame an inanimate object that to admit the current Ethos of our culture has led us to this…this way too frequent tragedies

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This Ethos is what determines what is right and acceptable and what is wrong and unacceptable. Only Ethos of the Kingdom of God can prevent more of these tragedies from occurring. The current Ethos did not happen overnight. It was a journey, a step by step journey away of the Ethos of God’s Kingdom. Our current Ethos began with rejecting 1 part of the Ethos of God, and like dominoes strategically lined up, the entire Ethos of The Kingdom was traded away for an Ethos that cheapens human lives.

Only Ethos of the Kingdom of God can prevent more of these tragedies from occurring.

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So how do we stop such tragedies? By committing our hearts to The Kingdom Ethos that is tethered to a life of loving God with all our heart, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and pursuing with everything in us a life of holiness. These most recent tragedies, the past tragedies, are fueled by the Current Ethos. And without a change of Ethos there will be more tragedies.

These most recent tragedies, the past tragedies, are fueled by the Current Ethos. And without a change of Ethos there will be more tragedies

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One immediate change will help transform the current Ethos. And that is to stop the hate. Hate produces hate. Hate spewed by the right produces hate spewed by the left; a different hate but hate nonetheless. Hate spewed by the left produces hate spewed by the right; a different hate but hate nonetheless. Hate diminishes the value of human life and is a horrible degradation of human dignity–the dignity of the person being hated and the dignity of the person doing the hating. The thing about hate being spewed is that it covers both the hater and the object of their hatred.

The thing about hate being spewed is that it covers both the hater and the object of their hatred.

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Without a doubt, there needs to be an upgrade to the current system of background checks. But emptying the shelves of certain types of guns…well, those empty shelves will not change the Ethos but become a symbol of the hearts empty of God’s love but full of evil. Call it what it is: #HumanViolence and perhaps we can begin to move away from this mess.

It Is What It Is. . . And That’s What Hurts So Much

From Sunday, July 28 to this morning, August 4 there have been 4 mass shootings. If data is your thing, then here are the number this past 7 days of mass shootings:
Wounded: at least 68
Killed: Current Count, 34

The reasons for such carnage? Does it make a difference? And who is to blame? Well, it depends on which news channel you watch and who you talk to. Here are some of the conclusions I have heard about where to pass the blame:

• Guns and their availability
• Racial motivations
• Anger
• The NRA
• The Republicans
• The Democrats
• And ad nauseam other reasons

The one in South Haven, Mississippi is less than 180 miles from me. All this violence has caused me to once again put to use daily my “Concealed Carry” permit. I do so, not out of fear, but my deep concern for those who could be among the next 102.

There are those who think if there were more controls for inanimate objects, there would not be another 102. We are being told all kinds of explanations for this carnage. But most I’ve heard speaks to the symptoms but fail to deal with the real disease.

It is what it is–human violence perpetrated by humans against their fellow human beings. Some of the victims were known, but most were unknown by the shooters. Human violence comes from hearts that have turned away from The Creator. Thus, they lose the sense of purpose we had before the fall. And that is to live in kindness with each other.

More laws can and probably will be passed. But the problem will not go away through legislation. Change of heart is what is needed. There’s an, call it irony, today. It was in the message I shared with the congregations I serve. You can see it here.

Our culture is being fueled by irritation, aggravation, and frustration that is creating the toxic environment of Despair.  And without a radical change of direction, a Divine Recalculating Moment, it will only become worse.

So I appeal, appeal to you who profess your faith in Jesus–to get busy with the work of God’s Kingdom. The work of God’s Kingdom is changing hearts, lives, situations and institutions to reflect HIS Glory, and His love. This is the time for believers to become followers of Jesus. Don’t give up Hope. Share your faith, using words only when necessary. Our culture needs an awakening and a renewal that comes through the Holy Spirit.

And it will to our culture–when you expected an awakening and renewal in YOU. When there is an awakening and renewal IN, then there will be an awakening and renewal THROUGH you!

Let’s be examples of treating ALL people with respect and dignity. Refuse to judge others by any human characteristic or standard. Don’t point the finger of blame at others–instead point the way to Jesus, the Jesus that is clearly seen in you.

Love God with all your heart. Love others the way HE loves you. And make sure all the glory goes to HIM!

Why, Oh Lord, Why?

Once again our nation is reeling from yet another act of senseless violence, though it made perfect sense to Nikolas Cruz.  And thus my question this morning:

Why, oh Lord, why did this happen?

There are those who will answer my question, but with the wrong answer.  “It’s the gun laws, rather, the lack of gun laws.  If we just ban those nasty guns, this would not ever happen again.”  I just don’t think this is the answer.  Chicago has the strictest gun laws and the senseless human violence continues every day.

“It’s that he wasn’t treated fairly.  He did not have the same opportunities as others.  If he had just received what he was entitled to, this would not have happened.”  Well, he may not have been treated fairly, but many others haven’t been treated fairly but they did not go out and kill innocent people.  So, how is this the answer?

“Well, they took prayer and the Bible out of the schools and this is the result!”  Do you really think that there is a “Prayer Void” or “Bible Void”, like a black hole, that exists in public schools?  I know countless students, teachers, support staff and administrators that cover their schools in prayer every day, and though they do not “read the Bible” in class, these Disciples of Jesus live out those words every day.  So, I don’t think that is the reason nor the answer to my question.  Besides, like the saying goes, “As long as there are tests, students will pray.”

“Video games and TV violence is the reason!  If Silicon Valley and Hollywood did not glorify violence, this would not have happened.”  If so, why isn’t everyone who plays video games and watches violent TV out there killing the innocents?  Mind you, I’m not suggesting that it doesn’t desensitize people’s conscience.  But eliminating violent games and TV will not eliminate this threat.

They are coming out of the woodwork, from under rocks, all espousing reasons for this horrible act of human violence.  Their reasons will go on ad nauseam and yet, there will be another shooting at a church, school, community center–anywhere people gather.  So what is the answer to this burning question that oozes out of both my faith and my heart?

To be quite honest, I cannot accept the “pat” answers, but I admit that I do not have the answer.  Honestly, I do not know that there is an “answer”.  Perhaps I, along with many others should ask a different question other than the “why” question.  I’m simply thinking out loud right now because of this ooze of “why”.  Maybe the question that everyone who professes to be “Christian” (perhaps I should say ‘allegedly’ Christian) should be asking is: “What now?  What should we do now?”  This is a question for which I do have an answer.  And here is my answer to “that” question.

You need to stop be consumers of the services of the church.  Sorry, Jack, your local church does NOT exist for you.  You need to become the producers of what the church is really about; and that’s the Kingdom of God.  Quit living out a small story and step into the story of the Kingdom where God is in the business of redeeming and restoring human lives.  Stop spending so much of your budget on what happens at a 911 address (that means building/campus).

Quit pointing out where everyone else is wrong and admit that somewhere you are broken, too.  Get to know the people around you, without offering judgment against them.  Get out of, way out of your comfort zones.

Jesus wasn’t comfortable in what He did for you on that Cross, so why should you get to be comfortable in what you do for Jesus! 

Quit whining about us needing to become ‘again’ a “Christian nation” and understand that as Disciples of Jesus we are “aliens and foreigners” in this land; God’s true people have always been “foreigners” wherever they lived.  Show me one verse that says God wants to establish a “Christian Nation” and I will show you a hundred verses where Jesus came to establish the Kingdom of God!  Let’s start doing something, just one thing at a time, that helps others, including yourself, to be restored to the image of God.  Live out Grace the way Jesus lived out Grace.

I just don’t know the “Why, oh Lord, why did this happen?”  But I am now reminded that even with my doubt and questions, God is still working to establish His Kingdom, that place where His will is “done on earth as it is in heaven.”