It’s Getting Worse … (2)
The Christian’s Response to Mass Shootings
The stories of mass-shootings overwhelm us. In yesterday’s blog, we talked about the church’s responsibility. Today, we think about this more personally. What do each of us need to do as individuals? All of us desire to make a difference in this world! We see this tragedy and desire provide a positive impact. How can an individual Christian provide light in this darkness?
Our Personal Response
Pray!!!
As we see this violence increase, we need to plead with God! Plead for the victims’ families. Plead for the school and community. Plead for the churches there as they minister to the needs. Only God can heal wounds that cut so deep.
Pray for your church’s Gospel-influence. Pray for you community. Pray for your personal witness. If this kind of tragedy ever came to your community, pray that God would position you in such a place where you could make a real difference for His glory!
Engage in Gospel Ministry
We want to make a difference in Florida right now, but if we are do not physical live there, it’s admittedly hard to be a help in this situation.
Instead, ask yourself this question: what am I personally doing right now to spread the Gospel of Jesus to my community? Friend, start building friendships with those who need the Gospel! Be discipling fellow believers as they take their next spiritual step! This takes sacrifices of time, money, and energy, but the effects of Gospel-ministry last into eternity. Who knows, maybe God will use you as a major light for the Gospel when the next tragedy strikes in your community.
Guard your heart (Prod. 4:23)
When we look at the darkness of these shootings, we often forget the darkness of our own hearts. Do you realize, that, if it weren’t for Christ, we are all capable of the most heinous of crimes? Our sin nature is despicable. Guard your heart! Make the pursuit of God your greatest pursuit! Without Him, we are capable of any sin. With Him, we can walk in holiness and truly make a Gospel-difference in this world.
Friends, it will get worse (2 Timothy 3:13), but in the darkest of times, the light shines brightest! May God help us to be agents of light in times of tragedy.
Andy Montgomery serves as the Children’s Pastor at Colonial Hills Baptist Church, Indianapolis, IN. He also serves as the director of their Cross Impact campus ministry at IUPUI.