I heard it said many times that “gun violence” is a huge problem in our nation. Of course, people
shooting other people is a daily occurrence, even in our own area; almost to the point of it not even
being considered news worthy any more…unless someone is killed. This article is not about gun control,
however.
Gun control, while it may stop some murders, is only a band aid on the wound. It addresses the
symptoms, not the cause. For instance, in the shootings in Dadeville a couple of months ago, 4 young
people were killed and 32 were injured at a teenager's birthday party. At least eight guns were used.
My question is why eight people (probably several others) would feel it necessary to carry a gun to a
birthday party?
We live in perilously times, don’t we? We don’t feel safe in the streets, in our homes, and even in our
churches. Carrying a firearm for protection is a wise move. But how did we get here? Why is violence so
prevalent? I know we old people say, “It wasn’t like this when I was growing up”. But that is a valid
point. This type and level of violence just didn’t exist (and it wasn’t because we didn’t have guns…we
had plenty of guns).
We can point to several things that contribute to this situation: The breakdown of the family unit,
fatherless young men, poverty, and even violent games and movies. But it boils down to what Paul said
to Timothy. “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of
themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous,
rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its
power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV). Note the words I have italicized.
Do we not see these things in increasing measure in our world?
Of course, we can do nothing to hasten or delay God’s plan on the return of the Lord. But we can see
the urgency of spreading the Gospel. Time is short and the task is at hand.
Say good things about your Savior and His Church on the Bluff.
shooting other people is a daily occurrence, even in our own area; almost to the point of it not even
being considered news worthy any more…unless someone is killed. This article is not about gun control,
however.
Gun control, while it may stop some murders, is only a band aid on the wound. It addresses the
symptoms, not the cause. For instance, in the shootings in Dadeville a couple of months ago, 4 young
people were killed and 32 were injured at a teenager's birthday party. At least eight guns were used.
My question is why eight people (probably several others) would feel it necessary to carry a gun to a
birthday party?
We live in perilously times, don’t we? We don’t feel safe in the streets, in our homes, and even in our
churches. Carrying a firearm for protection is a wise move. But how did we get here? Why is violence so
prevalent? I know we old people say, “It wasn’t like this when I was growing up”. But that is a valid
point. This type and level of violence just didn’t exist (and it wasn’t because we didn’t have guns…we
had plenty of guns).
We can point to several things that contribute to this situation: The breakdown of the family unit,
fatherless young men, poverty, and even violent games and movies. But it boils down to what Paul said
to Timothy. “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of
themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous,
rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its
power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV). Note the words I have italicized.
Do we not see these things in increasing measure in our world?
Of course, we can do nothing to hasten or delay God’s plan on the return of the Lord. But we can see
the urgency of spreading the Gospel. Time is short and the task is at hand.
Say good things about your Savior and His Church on the Bluff.
Bro. Tony