We have some pretty bad things happening in America these days. I don’t think anyone who has their eyes and ears open will dispute that. There is a huge divide, neighbors against neighbors, families at odds with each other – and it has happened for many reasons. All the lying. All the fake stories. All the fear mongers out there keeping so many people worried. Fearful. Fear has been used as a tool. We can look back in our history and think about the huge abyss that brought on the civil war. States against states. Seeing now what is going on I think it feels like we are headed that way again especially since states are taking on their own power, and making decisions that put them directly against other states.
So much of what is happening is due to all the fear that many Americans feel right now. They have fear of losing freedoms, of losing their guns, fear of ‘others’ who are not like them, fear of the other side enacting laws against them, fear of losing rights over their own bodies, and even fear of our Supreme Court becoming too political. Fear is everywhere.
I believe that a lot of the fear is done intentionally. Listen to the talking heads on certain networks. Even look at their expressions. They are trying to make Americans feel afraid and worried. Politicians are experts at using language to make you think we are doomed unless we agree with them, their side.
It’s been working well. Gun sales are huge. People walk around now all the time thinking somebody is out to get them. We have road rage. We have people shot at front doors and on driveways. People think they need to carry a gun everywhere. Why?
Fear.
People are living in fear.
Christians are living in fear.
But – Of all people, come on, Christians should NOT live in fear.
“Fear not!” Says the Lord. “I am with you.” “Though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Your rod and your staff comfort me.” Psalms is loaded with verses to comfort. “God is our refuge and strength.” And – “When I’m afraid I trust in you.”
“They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”
I just googled ‘fear and the Bible’ and the verses are numerous. It is clear that God says over and over to have faith, not fear, and to put trust in Him. Christians are never told to pick up weapons and kill those who do not agree with them. They are never told to gather an arsenal, and are never supposed to come to the door with a gun loaded and ready.
Here lies so much hypocrisy. Non-Christians are watching. It’s not a pretty view.
I ask: Christians – who do you put as your number 1? Who guides your life? The peaceful messages of faith in God? Or, those who promote gun sales, and want to have you live in a constant state of fear?
I admit that I have lost a lot of confidence in my fellow so called Christians. I have trouble understanding how they walk the line of being Jesus followers and gun enthusiasts. I don’t get it. I am disappointed by those who put gun freedom over childrens’ lives. Again, what would Jesus do??
I believe Christian church leadership needs to speak out. We are at a tipping point right now. Speaking out – and doing something is vital right NOW! Out in the open. Not just in the safe sanctuary on Sunday morning. Who better to start to turn this huge “fear ship” before it hits the iceberg and we sink? Are Christian churches AFRAID to speak out? Why? Are churches so lost from their mission?
I cant’ help but wonder what God thinks as he watches ‘His flock” these days. We let Him down all the time I realize, but we are so far from living in faith. Fear is winning.
It makes me very sad. What is going on in America with God’s people is so disappointing. We can do better. Seriously!! We have God on our side. We can live in faith – and put fear away.
Marla’s Musings 