You Are What You Think

"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" - Philippians 4:8

More and more I have been reading articles and discussions about the need to have armed security at church services. The threat is not necessarily from without, but from within. How far the "mighty" have fallen. The place where the Church - the body of Christ - gathers to worship was once thought of as being hollowed. To be respected as a place of a sacred assembly. A place where God is honored. Set apart from the world and its troubles. A place where people might come and find healing.

In my lifetime, I have seen a shift in that attitude and reference. Why would we need to be concerned about having people (men) trained specifically to intervene when someone threatens the health and safety of the worshippers. I have an idea and if you think about it, you might find that you agree.

Since my children were wee children there is a growing, insidious move to introduce violence as entertainment. What might have been censored or at least rated R is now commonplace - prevalent even. What was once confined to movie theaters and now accessible in the living rooms and bedrooms. Popular television is replete with series that glamorize violent death, loss, drugs, out of marriage sexual relationships. Our children are no longer protected from the worst the world has to offer. 

We practice "passive parenting" by setting them in front of a television, giving them an iPhone or iPad and let them "have at it" with little or no regulation. Possession of those devices has become a right not a privilege. The content they are exposed to shapes what is normal in their minds. What is acceptable. 

Violence has become a reasonable solution for problem solving. In the Army, we used simulators to practice our craft with the expectation that those refined skills would be used on the battlefield.  In the same way, the internet with filled with social simulations - refining our social skills - encouraging the idea that violence is acceptable - justifiable. And if you are not the perpetrator - you are at least ambivalent to it happening around you. I mean, it's normal right.

"Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:5-6

That is an admonition to parents and the Church. You can't save the children - that is the Lord's work - but you can show them the way. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone