Like many of you, I watched with sadness, anger, and regret
as school shootings continue to make headlines across our country. With two
such incidences in the Pacific Northwest recently, these tragedies feel closer
to home than ever before. East Hills has several Seattle Pacific alums here,
and so we grieve and pray with them for what occurred at their school.
In the days and weeks to come, we will no doubt hear varied
opinions aired, with great vehemence, about what should be done to curb the
violence taking place in our schools. Tighter gun control! Heightened school
security! Closed-access campuses! These ideas, and many others like them, all
have merit and in some way might create greater safety for places of public
education.
But this week, I find myself reflecting on the deeper issues
of our society. What is happening in our humanity that this kind of violent
action seems to be more and more the norm rather than the exception? Why do so
many, especially young people, turn to aggression when life overwhelms them?
While I certainly don’t claim to have all the answers, I would like to share a
brief thought along these lines. Could it be that we have created a flawed
culture in which the ideals we teach inevitably lead to emptiness and a lack of
fulfillment?
Our young people are taught today that life is a smorgasbord
of opportunity just waiting for them to enjoy. The message the media teaches
them is to fill their lives with good things, pursue pleasure, and prioritize
immediate gratification; after all, it’s all about you . Everyone can have what
they want, when they want, how they want. The downfall is that the proposed
promises of these messages always come up empty. Stuff doesn’t lead to
satisfaction. Pleasure doesn’t equate to real joy. Facebook friends and twitter
followers doesn’t create true relationships and deep connection. And so, as a
society, we are left wanting.
In Isaiah 55:1-2, the prophet declares, “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink- even if
you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk- it’s all free! Why
spend money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does
you no good? Listen to me, and you will
eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.” Our society seems to
be gorging itself on food that doesn’t satisfy. And when we come up empty and
alone, violence is increasingly the answer.
So I believe with all my heart that Jesus is still the hope
of the world. Because for all our western culture can give- possessions, techy
toys, cool cars, and frappuccinos- culture hasn’t figured out how to give us
what we most need. Only God can meet us in the deep hunger of our souls.
How will our society be changed? How will gun violence be
curtailed? When people come to God to satisfy their true hunger, the world will
be changed. It starts with me and you; making sure that we find our joy and
satisfaction in Him. And having tasted the goodness of the Lord, we share this
message. We look to be light in dark places. We point others to the only source
of lasting joy and peace. And the more that people are pointed to Christ, the
fewer guns that will be pointed at others. May it be so.
