It amazes me how every time something tragic happens folks look to politicians for solutions. Thousands of years of political history and we are still looking for them for solutions? Have we not seen enough? Politicians, for the most part, are selfish and, their priority is not to help people, but to maintain power. We need to remember that our number one duty is not to vote, but to have a relationship with God.

Examples of how selfish and how willing politicians are to do whatever it takes to retain power is found all through Scripture. One of those examples is Pilate. Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent; that was not difficult to see; that’s why Pilate tried to save Jesus’ life. He argued with the Pharisees to find ways to release Jesus, but one thing changed his mind, one thing caused this man to approve the greatest injustice in the history of mankind… when his own political power was at risk. John 19:12-13 tells us,

From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” 13 When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha).  (NIV)

From this moment on, it was all about maintaining his power; not about saving and defending an innocent man. We know that the death and resurrection of Christ needed to happen; but the example remains, and we must learn from it, the spirit of politics went as far as approving the crucifixion of Christ to maintain power.  How many innocent men and women have been victims of the government? It should not surprise us when we see these politicians always making decisions along party lines; they must keep the people that voted for them happy… at all costs.

The world will continue to get worse and will continue to be filled with violence as our societies and our cultures continue to reject God and, as the world continues to make it politically incorrect to follow Christ. This is nothing new, we see it in Genesis 6 when humanity turned their backs on God. The result of that was that the whole earth was filled with violence. This is the results: in the absence of God, you have violence. (Genesis 6:11)

We are experiencing that same rejection against God today. Humanity turning to politicians is a slap in the face of God as they tell God: “We don’t need you.” However, only God has the power to change a man’s heart. Gun laws can be changed, and they may help in some cases; but why is it that we pay attention to this topic only when there are mass shootings, but totally ignore the violence that certain cities in the US suffer every day? Why is it that same passion for life is nowhere to be found when it comes down to abortion? Politicians are all about selfish agendas, slogans and narratives; but they get nothing done. 

Now the narrative is, “These mass shootings only happen in America.” Well, the issue should not be mass shootings, but violence. One community may have 30 people killed in one day; however other communities may have hundreds in a year. Which one is worse? Which father or mother suffers the most, the one whose son or daughter was killed in a mass shooting or in a drive by? 

A couple of years ago I visited Rosarito, Mexico and a minister shared with me how little girls and boys are used by the cartels for prostitution. He said that everybody knows about it, but nobody does anything for fear of the cartels and, I may add, somewhere in there are politicians making money by turning a blind eye. So, please stop comparing the USA with other countries; evil is everywhere! 

Now we see how prayer is increasingly mocked and judged as ineffective… “we must do something” they say… “politicians must do something” they shout. Sadly, this world will become increasingly more and more violent; that is because the god on top of this secular system is the devil himself. Second Corinthians 4:4 tells us, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (NIV) The attack is directly against the Gospel… against the good news. What is the devil’s job description? The Bible tells us in John 10:10, 

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV)

The issue is not limited to mass shootings, but to violence. The contrast on this verse is that Jesus himself tells us that He comes to give us abundant life. Abundant Life!!!… think about that for a minute, Jesus himself tells us, “…I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus is the true answer. However, what I just said is considered stupid and politically incorrect in the eyes of the world. 

Sadly beloved, expect more violence in the world, as they continue to reject God. If you turn the lights out at night, it will be dark. Jesus tells us in John 8:12 “…I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (NIV) The Bible also tell us that we share that same light with him, 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Mathew 5:14-16 (NIV)

We, as the Body of Christ, are a partaker with Him in this mission to spread the Good News. Forget about changing the world, the world will NEVER change. Focus on ministering to the folks God sent your way. Don’t invite them to a building or to be a part of a denomination; invite them into your life and into a relationship with Christ. Remember that politics was not the only one guilty of murdering Jesus; man-made-religion was also guilty. Beloved, follow the great commission of making disciples by teaching folks the commands of Jesus and this amazing faith known as Christianity. That’s the answer! Don’t focus on changing the world, you will make yourself exhausted. Focus on sharing the Gospel and pray that God snatch them from the world into the family of God… from the family of darkness into the family of the Light.