The Connecticut tragedy has raised more questions than answers, and sadly, it is a situation that may never yield definitive answers, so we will likely be left to continue pondering our questions.
One question that stands out in my mind deals with what was sown into the lives of the mother and son who are at the center of the tragedy. There are many reports about guns being the connecting point for the two of them, but what was it about their lives that drew them so strongly toward guns?
I know that in certain regions throughout the U.S., guns are a natural part of the culture, and shooting guns is almost a rite of passage. Has anyone ever examined why that is? Some might say it's simply for enjoyment,but what is really enjoyable about causing an animal or a person to die a violent death just for entertainment? Does it represent an underlying desire for power or control?
There are those who spend countless hours at the shooting range, perfecting their skills. Are some of us guilty of studying more about guns than about God? Are we teaching our children more about guns and self-defense than we are about God's Word and self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit?
Scripture tells us that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. But, it seems some of us have decided that just in case He doesn't provide us with the refuge and strength we think we need, we'll keep a few guns handy to take matters into our own hands.
I've heard that some folks teach their children about guns so that they can handle them responsibly and defend themselves if necessary. But, how many reports have you heard about children handling a gun responsibly and saving the day because there was a gun in the home? I haven't heard a single report like that, but I have heard countless stories of children who were taught about guns at home who took that teaching and shot themselves or others accidentally--or on purpose.
I've also heard that "guns don't kill people, people kill people." That's true to an extent, but I view it from the perspective of the title of this week's blog entry--More God, Less Guns. If more people have more God in them and there are less guns available for those who don't, there will be less people who are inclined to shoot people, and less ammunition for them to accomplish it with. Even though it's people who pull the trigger, some tragedies would be far less likely to occur if guns were not accessible.
Some argue that gun control only controls the guns that belong to "law-abiding citizens" instead of criminals. Again, how many news reports have you heard where individuals who had guns thwarted a criminal? Sure, we've all heard a few stories--a FEW stories-- but none to match the number of people harmed by guns.
Friends, I know we live in dangerous times, but we simply cannot shoot our way out of this wicked world. I don't think the stairway into to Heaven will be found littered with shell casings, and when we reach the pearly gates I don't expect to see Yosemite Sam there shooting off a few rounds into the air and welcoming us in with a "rootin' tootin'" shout of, "Well done thou good and faithful varmints!"
We must be careful about putting our passion and our faith into anything man-made because God will not share his glory with another. We also must be careful about how we train up our children, for however we train them when they are young, "when they are old they will not depart from it."
If we teach them to respect life, it will be reflected in their life. If we teach them through hands-on experience or through gun-oriented video games that people are fair game for target practice, Job 4:8 certainly holds true, "As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it."
So, what do we sow? It depends on what we want to see grow....more of God in our hearts, or more guns in our hands.....
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
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