My heart aches this morning. I have recently learned about the theatre shootings in Aurora, CO. The news is filled with correspondants and interviewees questioning, "what has this world come to?!"
Now, I ask myself, "What has this world become?" How does creation kill creation? What is the motive? What are we doing incorrectly as humans to bring murder and death into this world?
It has just been revealed that the shooting suspect was a 24 year old neuro-science student from the University of Colorado. He was a near graduate of a prestigious program, and now stands behind bars after the killing of twelve innocent human beings. Once again, "how does the world entertain these horrific events?"
James Holmes is a brilliant man who stepped into great, unimaginable sin. Holmes studied the brain, and its intricate functions. He knew the power of the human mind, and all that it could accomplish.
When we begin to think of the power we have as human beings, it is frightening. We have the ability to direct our lives through free will, end our own lives, or end the lives of God's creation. The only thing we cannot do, is prompt our own lives. We cannot create life. Our God gave His precious children immense, unfathomable responsibility. God knew that when His children were born into a world where sin was present, we would need direction and security in the promise of Heaven.
James Holmes, I believe, saw his life as a dead end. He became so entranced in the academics of the human mind, will, and capacity that sin was allowed to creep into his psyche.
Romans 12:9-13
9 Love must be genuine. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in LOVE. Honor one another above yourselves.11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Our Heavenly Father gave us direction in His word so that we may avoid scary thoughts and sinful actions, as well as grieve the repercussions of sin. The above verse from Romans, is an example of His direction. No matter how confused we become or the depth of our depression, we can never forget our sole purpose on this earth. We are to LOVE one another and LOVE our Savior. We are to engage in genuine love that does not have any motive other than to please our father in Heaven. We are called to never be over come by evil, "but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).
"But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always." Hosea 12:6
Life becomes simple once we study His word. Our mind will fail us, and our mind will make us confused. Our minds are feeble and failing organs in an aging body. Our souls may only be renewed through pursuance of Truth and of Justice and of Mercy. Our souls will be renewed as we follow Jesus, and never allow our minds to fall to the complicated, confusing, and depressing state of our earth.
I often allow thoughts, criticism, academic research, and ridicule to get in the way of love, hopes, dreams, and prayers. And, I certainly allow negative emotions to block steadfast truth. Why? We are humans, in bondage to flesh, yet eternally set free by a savior. Our emotions will be strapped to a sinful complex as that is our condition. I stand in awe that we are no longer a part of this earth once our human bodies fall away.
We are allowed to think, dream and imagine, because God owns the concept of an imagination. He gave them to us so that we may do GOOD. So that we may imagine a world where He is ruler and He is physically present.
I am beginning to see though, before we think, sometimes we must act. This stands in direct contrast to the world's advise of "thinking before acting". Maybe, we should display love, extend mercy, and seek justice, before we allow our mind to wander. It is then that we will think clearly and think under his commandments. It is what He commanded after all, and He is the Great Authority.
"If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:15
"Love, it will not betray you betray you, dismay, or enslave you, it will set you free. Be more like the man you were made to be. There is a design, an alignment, a cry of my heart to see, the beauty of love as it was made to be."- Sigh No More, Mumford and Sons.
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