Our Dear Children, Murdered

My oldest son called me with the news.

“18 elementary kids dead in Texas”

I had not heard. I was sitting with my second son who had just finished his sophomore year of high school.

My oldest continued.

“So sick. I’m sick. Elementary kids.”

I agree. My reaction resembles his – just sick.

Friends, we can discuss mental health, gun control, and Constitutional rights. In the right place and time, these are welcomed conversations. Yet, today, these conversations do not help fill the arms of families who lost innocent 7-9 year olds.

At the exact same time as the shooting in Texas, I stood in my own fourth grader’s school, hugged his classmates who called me coach, gave high-fives, and watched his friends do a walk-thru since it was their last day at this elementary school. I saw their faces, heard their laughs, and witnessed their tears as they said their goodbyes to each other, teachers, school staff, and administrators. I fought tears myself as I interacted in my own son’s school in my own community.

At. The. Exact. Same. Time.

My heart is broken.

The Real Problem

As I sit this evening and just reflect on today’s news, events, and these situations, I feel a bit numb. The answer fundamentally lies in the hearts of people. The reality today remains the same. Men, women, teenage boys, teenage girls, boys, and girls all need the gospel of Jesus Christ. That may sound too spiritual or simple to you; however, the answer is truly that straightforward.

Our world needs Jesus.

Only Jesus can change hearts bent toward evil, hatred, and totally committed to personal satisfaction. Only Jesus can take a heart that loves self and change it to a heart that loves God supremely and others sincerely. Friends, only Jesus can eradicate the old heart and make all things new (2 Cor 5:17). Only Jesus died so we would no longer live for ourselves, but for the one who died and was raised to life for us (2 Cor 5:15).

Laws, programs, background checks, and self esteem will never work. They may have some level of impact; however, these things are not the answer.

The Home Matters

What people need are homes built upon that same gospel. Dads, moms, and children all committed to Jesus, learning the Bible at home and at church, and living according to the Bible’s principles in an effort to live motivated by the love of Jesus.

The culture, which reflects the godlessness, demonically influenced, and selfishness of the people who live within it, eviscerates the home, godliness, and biblical norms. Everything from submission to authority, to gender and biblical sexuality, to an appropriate work ethic tears at the fabric of the culture.

Being woke, sensitive to the pronouns of others, and pluralistic will not fix this problem. Instead, it only doubles down on extreme selfishness, narcissism, and discontentment. Seeking to satisfy self-seeking, jealous, and fleshly hearts only produces further discontentment, isolation, and a sense of entitlement.

Only Jesus can reorient a heart that loves self first and most to become a heart seeking to love, serve, and honor God while authentically striving to love a neighbor selflessly, authentically, creatively, and consistently. Anything and everything else fails.

Our world needs Jesus.

What Can We Do Now?

How do we respond? We begin by repenting for turning to all these other things beside the gospel to try to fix the depravity of man. The greatest need of men, women, teenage boys, teenage girls, boys, and girls is a new, redeemed heart. Change begins with the forgiveness of sin by God, becoming part of the family of God, and walking in the Spirit through God’s Word.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we must check our own individual heart to see if we are living consistent with the gospel. Are we walking worthy? Does the authoritative Word of God have functional control of our hearts? Is our behavior and attitudes consistent with the Bible? Where we desire what’s evil, we confess it. Where we do what’s evil, we do whatever it takes to correct it. We refuse to turn our backs on our own evil or that of others.

Are we living with a clear purpose in life of becoming like Jesus Christ? Does the Bible impact our worldview? What motivates us? Are we protecting our testimony?

Are we grateful for our neighbors? How do we view and treat those with whom we disagree? Are we known for our kindness, willingness to help, and graciousness to those around us?

Be sure to watch out for those who are lonely, suffering, isolated, angry, or depressed. As you go about your day, seek to share the love of Christ in tangible and caring ways. Genuinely care for those around you. Demonstrate real and authentic compassion for everyone also in the image of God.

Remember the problems in the world are not ultimately political, social, educational, nutritional, psychological, emotional, or economical. Instead, all of those things are impacted as individuals are reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. While we make a mistake to ignore some of these critical situational circumstances, none of these ultimately provide true hope for long term change.

Further, we can weep with those who weep. Jesus is our example as He wept in compassion with Mary and Martha (John 11:33-35). It’s unimaginable what the families at the Robb Elementary School are going through. As we weep, we can also pray for these families. We can pray that they will turn to Jesus for help during this incredible time of sorrow. We are so grateful for the words of the psalmist, ‭‭”The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm‬ ‭34:18).

Our world needs Jesus.