“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” – 1 Corinthians 2:2

In the last week there have been two more mass shootings in our country, leaving at least 31 people dead. In these situations we are often filled, not only with grief, but with anger. We hate that these things happen, and we want to take action to stop them. But how? In the wake of a mass shooting there are always a great variety of opinions. Some blame the breakdown of the family, some blame violent video games, some blame guns, and some blame a failure to deal with mental health issues. All believe their solution is the strongest. Eventually, all of these viewpoints digress into political arguments…and nothing changes.

So which of these is the real problem? I have no idea. Very intelligent people have argued for each, and it’s possible that any one of them could help. But I do know one thing for sure: If someone had led these two young men to Christ, then 31 people would be alive today. That is a guarantee. The heart of man is deceitful above all else; so desperately wicked that it is beyond comprehension (Jeremiah 17:9). We do not know how deep the depravity will go in each person, but we do know the answer is Jesus! If Christians would fight as passionately for the truth of the Gospel as they fight for their political perspective, there would be a revival in our nation like the world has never seen. I do not know which worldly answer would be the most effective, but I do know that the Gospel is The Solution to all the theft, death, and destruction around us. Jesus came to give us abundant life!

Father, please forgive us for putting all our hope and effort into the world’s proposed solutions. Keep us always mindful that Jesus Christ is the only one who changes hearts, and let all our efforts be focused on sharing Him with the world.

In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon