Violence in Our Land

Escalating crime and violence in society points to a singular issue. We have drifted far from God. We are in a spiritual crisis! - Clint Decker

One news report stated about a horrible tragedy at local church in Michigan, “The man accused of killing four people and burning down a [Mormon church] …reportedly held a long-simmering hatred for [them].” Authorities said that the assassin of Charlie Kirk texted a friend, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” And after a man mercilessly slayed a young Ukrainian refugee in front of onlookers a witness reportedly overheard him saying, “I don’t even know the lady. I never said not one word to the lady at all.” (Image by Pixabay)

Michigan. North Carolina. Utah. What is happening? One recent poll communicated a rising number of people seem to believe violence is the only way, “Three in 10 people now say that Americans may have to resort to violence to get the country back on track.” Professor Jon Michaels of UCLA states, “violence is so great right now, and it’s hard to figure out exactly what is causing it and why [we aren’t] able to turn away from it.” He frames the American mindset, “If we can’t solve things [one way, then] we’re going to solve things through intimidation, aggression and murder…”

Many are wondering about the same thing as the professor, which leads people to ask, “Is it a law enforcement problem?” “Is it a political problem?” “Is it a mental health problem?” Escalating crime and violence in society points to a singular issue. We have drifted far from God. We are in a spiritual crisis!

We are not the first to experience this. Thousands of years ago, after God created mankind, they began to drift from Him. When they did, the earth became a dangerous place to live. History says, “Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence.” (Genesis 6:11) Jesus spoke of the practical effects of rejecting Him when He said, “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12) Today, dark and cold hearts are running our streets. This is what happens when a nation turns from God. Our moral foundations are crumbling while any civility that remains is slowly fading away. Right has become wrong and wrong has become right. Evil doers are praised, and the righteous are vilified. Virtuous laws are subjectively enforced or not at all, while immoral laws are drafted and imposed with vigilance.

God is a God of moral and just laws that transforms individual hearts, which then impacts society. His Word tells us not to murder, not to hate, to love our enemies, to forgive and to have loving marriages and families. When we turn from our ways and place our trust in Jesus, He changes our hearts and enables us to live this way. When that happens, it affects our family and community.

We must return to the Lord God, our Creator, or continue to face the violent crisis at our doors. We have a choice to make. The Bible says, “…if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Today, I hope and pray you and your family will choose Jesus. He died, was buried, then rose again as a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. He willingly took upon Himself the judgment you deserved. He took your anger, hate, unforgiveness and bitterness. He did it so you could be free and transformed into a new person. Turn from those poisons and place your full commitment in Christ.

A prayer for you – Lord God, we confess, we have fallen from you. We have looked to the gods of pleasure, money and power and become their slaves. In return they have given us violence, death and chaos. Forgive us, O God. Cleanse our hearts, we pray and save us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.