What is it about human nature that we think we can get away with doing bad things?  I am growing weary of turning on the TV or radio to hear of yet another senseless tragedy.  It’s always been this way though.  Even the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden thought they could do something they knew was wrong and get away with it.  It’s simply the human condition…we are all sinners.

If the bombers in Boston this week knew there were surveillance cameras everywhere would they have done what they did?  Did they really think they would get away with it?  The fact is, no matter where you are and what you’re doing, God sees it all.  So even if you sin and no one on earth ever knows, God knows.  This should be a huge motivator for at least those of us who know and fear God.  However, if we continue as a nation to fall farther and farther away from God, the motivation to do the right thing gets farther and farther from our thoughts as well.  Rather than lashing out at those doing wrong, I might suggest we get on our knees and keep praying for our nation! 2Chronicles 7:14…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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

I know it is easy to get involved emotionally and say things in rage or disgust against people who have done something bad.      However, as Christians, I think we need to be held to a higher standard though, don’t you?  Don’t misunderstand me.  I am thankful that the bombers were caught and will pay the price for their actions.  I am no theologian, but in my mind, I believe Jesus made it very clear.  In John 8, there was a woman who had been caught in adultery.  When the teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought her to Jesus they asked what they should do with her.  They said under the law of Moses, she should be stoned.  However, Jesus calmly answered, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Yes, I know that the things going on around us are horrific.  I am amazed that I personally have known two families victimized by these senseless, random acts of violence.  I knew the parents of a young man killed in the theatre in Colorado and I knew two children who were hiding in closets in Connecticut during the school shooting there.   It’s getting more personal by the day.  But daily I ask, “How should I react to these heinous acts as a Christian and spokesperson for the Lord?”  I feel that even though these situations have hurt dear people that I know, I have a responsibility for my reactions to the chaos.

I hope that all of us will stop and think before we post that next Facebook thought or write our next blog. The Internet is a wonderful tool to win others to Christ if we use it wisely.  So ask yourself before posting, is what I’m saying something that glorifies God?  Am I throwing stones or am I realizing that we are all sinners…some of us fortunately saved by grace?  Am I praying for everyone involved?  If these questions don’t come to mind and we spew hatred to the world; our witness wanes and suddenly we lose ground in winning those in our circles to Christ. Don’t become a victim of the terrorism.

Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV)  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,  for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

This passage tells me that I am to stand firm under God’s protection that fully protects me from the evil one.  I should also be alert and praying for everyone involved, especially for those who carry God’s message to unbelievers.  However, when it talks about a sword that would be the only item of active offense on our part, He refers to it as the sword of the Spirit.  That tells me the Holy Spirit will take care of the battles, I just need to be suited for battle, standing firm in my faith.

When you think no one is watching think again.  Thank goodness for the cameras who saw it all this week and could identify the perpetrators for the safety of others.  When you’re on Facebook,  be aware that there are many there who are seeking an understanding of God as their Savior.  Are your reactions making them want to be a Christian like you or are you driving seekers away?  I fear that as judgmental as some can be to others in the name of Christianity, those on the sidelines may not want any part of it.  Don’t think for a minute someone isn’t watching your actions on social media.  Most importantly, we will someday have to stand before God on judgment day and account for our actions here on earth.  He, too, is watching and sees it all.

I hope you receive this with the right spirit and ask God to guide you to being the best witness you can be…for all the world to see!  Stand firm and be fearless.  However, be wise, continue in prayer, withholding judgment for the Lord.  Have a great week and go out and be a blessing!