Thursday, February 15, 2018
Shootings, Christians, and what our children need to hear...
It has happened again. And that does not surprise any of us.
I have heard and read a number of responses from Christians. Responses like these.
Advocate for gun control legislation. Or be sure we have concealed carry people in our schools.
Be sure we have armed guards in our churches.
Home school so your children will be safe.
Here is what that sounds like to me.
Politics, fear, and how to use the weapons of the world.
So here is what I want our children -- and my grandchildren -- to hear.
We live in a fallen and evil world. It will be that way until Jesus comes again. Hatred and racism. Murder and stealing. Greed and gossip. It is not going to get any "safer".
Do not be afraid. This world is not our home. We are heading to heaven. Satan and evil cannot destroy you. Not even death. God has defeated evil -- even death. Cancer, car wrecks, shootings are not victorious.
Jesus is the answer. He is why you never have to stay dead. He is why you never have to be afraid. He is why you are different than the world around you.
In a world of hate, we will love. In a world that says every man for themselves, we will treat others as we want to be treated. In a world that says do what you want, do what you think best, do what makes you happy ... we will seek to love God and follow Jesus.
I want our children to know that as Christians we have already died. We have been crucified with Christ and the life we are now living we live by faith in the one who loved us enough to die for us. Nothing can take that away from us.
So live boldly. Live courageously. Go against the crowd. Stand for what is right. Treat people like Jesus. Let your light shine in a dark world.
And when people see the difference in you, tell them about Jesus. Tell them they can have a life of joy and peace. That they do not have to fear death. That their life matters and they can make a difference. Forever.
So for my kids and grandkids...
If a shooter gets one of us, or cancer strikes, or a car wreck happens ... we will be together again.
Because of Jesus. So do not live in fear. Live boldly for Jesus.
Till we all get home.
I have heard and read a number of responses from Christians. Responses like these.
Advocate for gun control legislation. Or be sure we have concealed carry people in our schools.
Be sure we have armed guards in our churches.
Home school so your children will be safe.
Here is what that sounds like to me.
Politics, fear, and how to use the weapons of the world.
So here is what I want our children -- and my grandchildren -- to hear.
We live in a fallen and evil world. It will be that way until Jesus comes again. Hatred and racism. Murder and stealing. Greed and gossip. It is not going to get any "safer".
Do not be afraid. This world is not our home. We are heading to heaven. Satan and evil cannot destroy you. Not even death. God has defeated evil -- even death. Cancer, car wrecks, shootings are not victorious.
Jesus is the answer. He is why you never have to stay dead. He is why you never have to be afraid. He is why you are different than the world around you.
In a world of hate, we will love. In a world that says every man for themselves, we will treat others as we want to be treated. In a world that says do what you want, do what you think best, do what makes you happy ... we will seek to love God and follow Jesus.
I want our children to know that as Christians we have already died. We have been crucified with Christ and the life we are now living we live by faith in the one who loved us enough to die for us. Nothing can take that away from us.
So live boldly. Live courageously. Go against the crowd. Stand for what is right. Treat people like Jesus. Let your light shine in a dark world.
And when people see the difference in you, tell them about Jesus. Tell them they can have a life of joy and peace. That they do not have to fear death. That their life matters and they can make a difference. Forever.
So for my kids and grandkids...
If a shooter gets one of us, or cancer strikes, or a car wreck happens ... we will be together again.
Because of Jesus. So do not live in fear. Live boldly for Jesus.
Till we all get home.
