This violent world continues to astound us. I’m sure everyone who awoke to the news of the Las Vegas shooting on Monday morning asked themselves: What could drive someone to do this? It seems like we catch ourselves asking these types of questions more and more. Violence seems to break out just when it seems like we will get a break from such shocking outbreaks. And there really is no logical answer to our question of why. People become so filled with hate or anger or disappointment that they can’t think straight and others then pay with their lives.
The world is a confusing place sometimes. People can be so cruel, so unforgiving, so callous. It seems we are seeing an acceleration of evil acts all around us, as many seem so filled with anger. But the Bible tells us that this is how the world is. In I John 5:19, we read this: “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (NKJV).
My friend Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council said of the Vegas violence, “It’s time to recognize that the cure for violence isn’t in Washington. It’s in the hope and the healing offered through faith in God, the same faith that has sustained our nation for two and a half centuries of very dark days like this one.”
Tragically, many in our nation do not want to hear about the Lord. The mere mention of Jesus’ name has become an offense to many. But we must carry on proclaiming His Word and praying that some will hear and follow, becoming disciples of the Living Christ.
Further, we need to be praying for our nation. I don’t know if we will ever see national revival again, but we, as Christians, should be praying for God’s blessing on our nation and doing all we can to live holy, blameless, prayerful lives while calling people to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only hope for this wicked world and we cannot afford to be ashamed of the Gospel.
As our nation struggles with unrest and violence, we also need to ask the Lord to help us be godly leaders in our homes — that’s where we can and must make a difference. Changing our nation begins in our own hearts and our own homes. Remember to make time for daily Bible study and communion with God. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and a heart of mercy in your home.
Nineteenth century pastor J.C. Ryle said, “The Bible in the pulpit must never supersede the Bible at home.” That is still true today.
We can impact our homes, even as the world is falling apart around us. As followers of Christ, we need to hearten our families, our friends and our neighbors by being bold and compassionate servants of the Living Christ. “Not I, but Christ” is not just a bumper sticker — it’s a way of life.