And don't sin by letting anger control you. Don't
let the sun go down while you are still angry, for
anger gives a foothold to the devil.
Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT
For the past couple of days, I have been writing on the continuing problem of gun violence...
let the sun go down while you are still angry, for
anger gives a foothold to the devil.
Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT
For the past couple of days, I have been writing on the continuing problem of gun violence...
Although I lack a fancy professional degree, because of my criminal past, I will at times be asked about the current scourge of gun violence in America. In fact, I have been writing on this topic for many years. I prefer, however, to refer to it as a "spirit of violence” because what is happening involves more than guns. It includes varying levels of prejudice, hatred, intolerance, and lawlessness.
I am not an anti-gun lobbyist. I have no problem with any form of legal gun ownership. But what is bringing much harm and fear to some of America's cities, is the use of illegal guns in the hands of young men and adolescents. In New York City, for example, gun violence has been making the headlines almost daily as the number of shooting victims, to include children, continues to rise.
Frankly, guns hold a fascination for many. There's a visible gun culture in America. Guns are in the movies and on TV. I'm not saying this in itself is bad. I'm only saying that's the way it is. Guns are glamorized. Guns can be alluring, especially for adolescents.
In today's culture, a gun can be seen as a source of power and as a sign of masculinity. Psychologically, carrying a gun might coincide with one's idea of what it means to be a man. With a gun, he may think he has protection and is in control. That he's someone to be feared, as well. For him, these things mean a lot, especially in places where there's gang activity, bullying, and victimization. Much like in the prison environment, one's reputation means everything.
But the problem of carrying a gun can occur when an individual becomes angry or jealous, or upset. In a moment of unchecked emotion, he'll whip out his gun and, without pausing to weigh the consequences, pulls the trigger. Seconds later a victim, or multiple victims, lay wounded or dying.
Thus, in many shootings, things like anger and rage, revenge and seeking to settle a score, rivalry and battles over turf could easily lead to a face-off. When this happens, bullets fly, and people die.
When the proliferation of guns mixes with the unpredictable temperaments of many of our, oftentimes easily provoked to anger young men and adolescents, look out. You can be sure the devil is in the mix.
Surely this is a time when inner city missions work has to get into gear. God's words of hope need to go into our communities. The guns need to be taken from those who are headed for destruction. I would tell God's people, put a Bible in their hands instead.
There's no glory in a gun. A gun has nothing to do with being a man. Remember, "One bullet, two lives." The bullet you use to hurt someone else will strike you, too. Your victim will go to the grave, but you will go to prison for a very long time. It's just not worth it.
Remember, you shoot, you lose.
D.B.
I am not an anti-gun lobbyist. I have no problem with any form of legal gun ownership. But what is bringing much harm and fear to some of America's cities, is the use of illegal guns in the hands of young men and adolescents. In New York City, for example, gun violence has been making the headlines almost daily as the number of shooting victims, to include children, continues to rise.
Frankly, guns hold a fascination for many. There's a visible gun culture in America. Guns are in the movies and on TV. I'm not saying this in itself is bad. I'm only saying that's the way it is. Guns are glamorized. Guns can be alluring, especially for adolescents.
In today's culture, a gun can be seen as a source of power and as a sign of masculinity. Psychologically, carrying a gun might coincide with one's idea of what it means to be a man. With a gun, he may think he has protection and is in control. That he's someone to be feared, as well. For him, these things mean a lot, especially in places where there's gang activity, bullying, and victimization. Much like in the prison environment, one's reputation means everything.
But the problem of carrying a gun can occur when an individual becomes angry or jealous, or upset. In a moment of unchecked emotion, he'll whip out his gun and, without pausing to weigh the consequences, pulls the trigger. Seconds later a victim, or multiple victims, lay wounded or dying.
Thus, in many shootings, things like anger and rage, revenge and seeking to settle a score, rivalry and battles over turf could easily lead to a face-off. When this happens, bullets fly, and people die.
When the proliferation of guns mixes with the unpredictable temperaments of many of our, oftentimes easily provoked to anger young men and adolescents, look out. You can be sure the devil is in the mix.
Surely this is a time when inner city missions work has to get into gear. God's words of hope need to go into our communities. The guns need to be taken from those who are headed for destruction. I would tell God's people, put a Bible in their hands instead.
There's no glory in a gun. A gun has nothing to do with being a man. Remember, "One bullet, two lives." The bullet you use to hurt someone else will strike you, too. Your victim will go to the grave, but you will go to prison for a very long time. It's just not worth it.
Remember, you shoot, you lose.
D.B.
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