What Do You Think?

Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear. Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.
Romans 13:1-5

I have heard many questions, concerns, and opinions on the events which have occurred in Charlotte recently.  And I have also been asked my thoughts on the issue.  What I have heard and read show me that we are a society in turmoil.  It is as though we are bound and determined to tear our country apart from the inside out, and it is heartbreaking to see all this divisiveness!  But here's something to think about, this is nothing new!

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church of Rome, and indirectly to us, that if we do what is right, we have nothing to fear from those in authority.  But if we choose to disobey authority, then we will be punished, and rightfully so.

If you break the law, you are subject to punishment.  If you don't like the law, that does not exempt you from obeying it.  Does this mean every law is absolutely correct?  I doubt it.  

For example: "When approaching a four way or blind intersection in a non-horse driven vehicle you must stop 100 ft from the intersection and discharge a firearm into the air to warn horse traffic." At the time, this law made sense and was expected to be obeyed. Failure to obey led to punishment.  Now, we look back on such laws and scoff at their seeming stupidity.

The argument has been made to me that Law Enforcement is evil and overbearing.  You can say my opinion is skewed if you wish, but my opinion is just that....MINE!  Are there some bad law enforcement officers?  Yes!  Are there some good ones? Absolutely!  Where we tend to get into trouble is when we make broad accusations.  Are there bad people in this world? Yes!  Are there good ones? Absolutely!  

Whoever does wrong is wrong!  It's that plain and simple.  Are there those who get away with doing bad things?  For now, but their day will come, as it will for each of us, when we will stand before God and give a FULL ACCOUNT of our lives.  

Here's the best way I can make this point: YOU do what is right!  Because YOU are the one who chooses what YOU do.  

Now, as far as who's lives matter......whose air is it we breathe?  Have we become so divided that only paisley people can breathe this air while the plaid people can only breathe the air that's over in their part of town?  When we begin to see that Jesus' sacrifice wasn't just for some people, it was for ALL people.  We are the ones who choose to accept this or not, and that decision will play out in how we treat each other.