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Words to Live By

PADUCAH! ARKANSAS! COLUMBINE! FORT WORTH!

The tragedies continue. Another senseless attack on the young people of America. And everyone seems to ask the same question, Why? Why did God allow this to happen? And Why is our society deteriorating so fast?

Our Small Group Bible Study met last night, but instead of Bible study, we talked about the reasons God would permit this to happen. We came up with all kinds of reasons, but none seemed to be THE answer.

One thing we are aware of though, is that the closer to a tragedy like this, the more apt we are to ask why, and the more we want an answer. With tragedies far from home, we watch the news, say something like "That's terrible! Pass the mustard, please." But when it is closer to home, we feel it more.

Of the three adults that were killed Wednesday, two were students at Southwestern Baptist Seminary where I attend. The third had graduated from Southwestern a couple years ago. When I went to school today, the atmosphere was very somber. I think it would be safe to say, that in some way or another, every student on campus was connected to someone killed or injured.

Even as Christians, we ask why. But even though we do not get an answer to this question, we can rest assured that the very heart of God is also crushed by these sinful acts, and He knows our agony just as He was in agony when His Son was nailed to a cross. We don't know why God allowed this to happen, but we do know that he will use it to make something good happen.

The second WHY we ask is "Why is our society deteriorating so fast?" There have been many answers to this question. Gun control advocates state that we need to have more gun control. Christian conservatives state we need the Ten Commandments and prayer back in school. Many other answers come forth from time to time.

But these are all answers with a political basis. Politicians jump at the chance to get on the band wagon for these issues. By supporting these issues, politicians can count on votes come election day. But I don't think these answers are the correct ones. I believe the foundation of these issues
are flesh and blood.

We live in a battle zone these days. The Bible says "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12 NIV.

We live in a materialist society. We want the very best for our children. We want the best schools, the churches with the best youth programs, the best clothes, the best sports programs and coaches, cell phones, televisions, CD players, and cars. In other words, we buy them off. We do this because we love them. We are doing what we think is best for them. But these things
become our gods. 

Deuteronomy 11:16-17, warns us to "Be careful or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods . . ." And verses 18-21 tell us to teach the words of God to our children. I fear that the only time many children hear the name of the Lord in their homes is when it is used in vain, or at best when we recite our meal blessing. The Bible does not tell us to turn the duty of teaching our children over to the church, it tells us to do it. It is up to us to arm our children for the battles that rage outside our homes. 

So, you see, I think that society is the way it is, not because prayer and the Ten Commandments were taken out of school, but because we have taken them out of our homes. For those of you who are faithful in teaching your children the ways of God, God bless you. For those of us that are not, God help us.

We must remember that the minds of our children are like sponges. If we don't fill them with Godly things, the world will fill them with worldly things. At your first opportunity, grab your children, put your arms around them and kiss them. Tell them you love them and mean it. And then begin telling them about God and pray with them.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV.