CELEBRITIES TAKE THE LEAD
The movie and television industry is currently pushing a televised public service announcement (PSA) to encourage lawmakers to "Make a Plan" to stop gun violence. Many of these good-willed Hollywood celebs should really be backing a "Plan" to INFLUENCE HUMAN BEHAVIOR!
More than gun violence, there's rape, drunk driving, drugs, spousal abuse, tipsy airline pilots, crazies on personal watercraft, child endangerment, alcoholism, sexually-transmitted diseases, bad parenting, lack of caring, racial hatred, road rage, loud cellphone users, religious intolerance, bigotry of all kinds, and just plain bad manners -- all of which society has attempted to cure historically through legislation-- and failed! Does anyone remember Prohibition?
The movie and television industry is currently pushing a televised public service announcement (PSA) to encourage lawmakers to "Make a Plan" to stop gun violence. Many of these good-willed Hollywood celebs should really be backing a "Plan" to INFLUENCE HUMAN BEHAVIOR!
More than gun violence, there's rape, drunk driving, drugs, spousal abuse, tipsy airline pilots, crazies on personal watercraft, child endangerment, alcoholism, sexually-transmitted diseases, bad parenting, lack of caring, racial hatred, road rage, loud cellphone users, religious intolerance, bigotry of all kinds, and just plain bad manners -- all of which society has attempted to cure historically through legislation-- and failed! Does anyone remember Prohibition?
In the words of the great Greek philosopher Aristotle, "Mankind's behavior can NOT be changed by merely passing laws to the contrary of their actions. No government can legislate morality. It must come from within. It must be born among the people themselves."
In short, no law or government, can stop an ill-mannered, immoral, ruthless people. Civil disobedience, rioting, looting, and eventually, anarchy will be the inevitable result.
Precisely what our Founding Fathers had in mind. Our government can only stand as long it is "For the people and BY the people." WE THE PEOPLE are in control of our OWN actions -- and responsible for its devastating consequences.
Is there an answer to gun violence or violence per se? Maybe not. Even idyllic societies have had their share. Remember Cain and Abel? Cain spoke to God face-to-face, and he still bludgeoned his brother to death!
So, my #1 suggestion, of course, is prayer. Pray for our nation to turn back to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Back to the God of the Bible. Back to the God of Peace, Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. But, In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." In short, let's pray for a nation, whose people are LED BY ALMIGHTY GOD!
Pastor Jason
Is there an answer to gun violence or violence per se? Maybe not. Even idyllic societies have had their share. Remember Cain and Abel? Cain spoke to God face-to-face, and he still bludgeoned his brother to death!
So, my #1 suggestion, of course, is prayer. Pray for our nation to turn back to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Back to the God of the Bible. Back to the God of Peace, Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. But, In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." In short, let's pray for a nation, whose people are LED BY ALMIGHTY GOD!
On a practical note, one of our most dangerous weapons in America -- the automobile -- is regulated in a seemingly practical manner. Most states require driver's education, a written and practical test on the vehicle's operation, penalties for misuse, as well as a license with photo and fingerprint identification. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, excessive speeding, reckless use in a dangerous manner all have legislative consequences including fines, impounding the vehicle, traffic school, and even jail time.
Yet the ownership of a firearm has yet to catch up to the automobile in its legislative scope of regulation.
Banning the gun in itself, like banning the automobile, won't solve the systemic problem of gun violence. But maybe WE THE PEOPLE can find a practical way, using wisdom and legislative caution to guide society along a path of righteousness and good behavior.
In the meantime, let us pray!
In the meantime, let us pray!
Pastor Jason
Pastor Jason Gant
Calvary Bible Church
Catalina Island, California
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