“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:16

I’m heartbroken and grappling over the most recent school shooting. I’m watching friends and family post on social media their solve-all calls to action either for teachers and staff to be armed with guns to protect the kids, or for gun bans and regulations. I have seen arguments over raising the mental health standards for owning guns and  those who are pointing fingers at the parents of these troubled children.  I have watched as people have shredded one another to pieces over their policy or rules being the superior over others in solving this seemingly unsolvable situation our country is in.

Guys!!!!! STOP THIS MADNESS NOW!!!!!!!

Let’s be real. All these policies, and laws, and ideas about who should be carrying and who should’t be, and pointing of fingers, cannot stop this. It won’t stop it. In fact you could even build a wall to protect the country’s children around each and every single school in America and the truth is: it will still happen. Because our nation as a whole today has lost touch with their Creator. There, I said it.

The truth is that a nation that once lived under God has gone astray from that belief. The truth is we are a nation under rebellion of God’s way and His perfect plan. You may not want to hear that but it is the truth. The truth is that until we get to the heart of the issue nothing can stop the senseless acts of violence we are seeing today. And the heart of the issue is we have lost our way as a whole.

Without Christ as ruler of our hearts we are all prone to wickedness. That’s the truth. So all the human made changes this would could ever come up with will never be enough to transform lives and give us peace of mind about sending our children off to school. The only thing that can truly do that is to come together as “one nation under God, indivisible, with justice and liberty for all”.

Currently we are a nation divided. We are not indivisible. We are divided over big and small things alike. Right now we are divided over how best to keep our children safe in schools and who we can place the coveted sticker of blame on for the horrendous acts of violence we are witnessing in our own communities.

I’m not saying we should ignore all laws and not try and improve upon our current legislature or take preventative measures for the future. These are good things that do need to be done. What I am saying is that these things alone are NOT the solve-all and they will not result in the world you hope to see: violence free. The only way we can instill moral values, compassion, empathy, love, peace, joy, kindness, faithfulness, self control, and all the other wonderful attributes we are all looking for in our countries people is to put God back into the hearts and minds of our people. Apart from Him there is no good.

The only way to do this is for the Christians in this country to stop playing church and get real. Stop placing your laws of righteousness over people and condemning them as though you are the judge over their life. Instead be the light and the salt of the earth as you are called to be! Stop making the Gospel more offensive than it already is by adding your legalistic ways and condescending tones and instead reach out and help those around you to see who Jesus really is! Stop looking down the bridge of your nose at those in need and instead reach out into the darkness and help just one more person see the light. Your salvation isn’t for your purpose. It isn’t so you can feel good about yourself  and it absolutely isn’t because you are some good kid who was picked first on the dodgeball team of life. You salvation isn’t even yours to claim in the first place because God himself chose us by grace and by grace alone we are saved.

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Romans 10:14

God will never turn anyone away from himself and so our job is to go out and be the light. How can they be saved without first hearing the good news? Go! Make disciples and share the peace and hope we have in Christ who came and died for our sins. Stop arguing over what policy would make our nation more safe and remember who our true enemy is and.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

The enemy comes to steal and destroy and that means divide too. He wants nothing more than to make a mockery of the modern day church and I have to say I think he has done a pretty great job of that so far. Let’s not forget our mission of bringing the light to just one more and let’s refocus our energy and efforts where they belong. The darkness here may be great, but never forget the Lord will always prevail, though the battles are many He will always make a way, and we already know how the story goes: God wins.

If you are a Christian I ask that you examine your heart today. Have your words been words of life? Have your actions been ones that speak of the power and beauty of Christ?

If you are not a Christian I invite you to receive him now. Just drop whatever it is that has been holding you back and cry out to God. He loves you deeply and He wants to have that personal relationship with you. He won’t force himself into your life, He waits for you to ask him into your heart. Do that now and make your first step of the journey into the way of life. This life is a battle and the wages over your soul are high.

Abba Father, May the words that have been shared here today pierce the hearts of those reading them. May we bow our heads in humility to your great power and may we look to you for our sustenance and protection during these uncertain times in America and beyond. Our world is so dark but we know that you are still with us. You have not left your people and we want to do your will. Guide and direct our paths and help us to share the good news to a world that is hurting and so broken. We thank you for your grace unending and your love so deep and wide that not even the darkest of darkness could tear us apart from you. You will always prevail and we take solace in that. Be with the families of those lost in the most recent school shooting. Lord comfort them and give them hope in this tragic time. Our hearts break into pieces over this and we feel so helpless in fixing this situation. We know that you have a plan and that although evil does roam the earth you will reveal the purpose for this all in your time and we will see eventually. We love you, but we know that you love us more. In Jesus name, amen.