Violence: Will It Ever Stop?

Violence has become  a part of our society. Everyday it seems there is another school shooting, murder, rape, child abduction and the list continues. Gone are the days when you can walk safely at night. Gone are the days when Deputy Barney Fife of Mayberry fame, carried only one bullet. Today he has an assault rifle in his squad car.

Yesterday, the news brought us another senseless act of violence.  Three teenagers are charged with the murder of Christopher Lane. Their motive for murdering this innocent man? According to police, Jones (one of the suspects) admitted that the teens decided to kill someone "for the fun of it."  NY Post They were "bored" and decided to kill someone. Shocking? Without a question!

But how did America come to such a condition? As we try to figure out the why (?) and without being too simplistic, allow me to offer a couple of ideas. As a Christ-follower and from my understanding of Scripture, I believe all our problems in society are spiritual problems. When we follow and obey God's principles, we have peace, order, and harmony. Space does not allow me to elaborate on each of these principles, so consider briefly.

1. With the legalization of abortion, we have devalued life. We dispose of people with no compulsion. 
2. Justice is not administered in a timely fashion. (Death row appeals) When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong. Eccl. 8:11
3. People no longer fear God or the Judgement  Romans 3:18  Eccl 12:13 

 Charles Colson stated twenty years that we were "raising a generation without a conscience." He was right! Will the violence ever stop? Unfortunately not until Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, returns and then there we be justice.