Deaths in Arizona

Like most of you, I have been shocked and saddened by the reports of the senseless killings in Arizona- a federal judge, a 9 year old girl, and four others, as well as 13 or so wounded.  I watched the news and heard all the commentary.  I've seen pictures of the guy who did it and of his victims.  It's been on my mind all day.

I've been listening to the commentaries from all sides.  I've heard the incident described from several different perspectives:  MSNBC commentators called the motive a "right-wing ideology."  FoxNews was quick to point out that his favorite books were "Mein Kampf" and "The Communist Manifesto," showing he was a left-winger.  Gun-control advocates are hollering for more gun-control.  Pro-gun people are pointing out that the Arizona Congresswoman was pro Second Amendment.  Mental health professionals are talking about his mental illness and how we need more treatment.  It's a frenzy of commentary, and it does make you stop and think.

However, the one thing that I have not heard from all the commentators is this:  this act was evil.  Why does our society have such a problem with calling evil for what it truly is?  We jump to the labels of right and left, political agendas about guns or banning guns, evaluating the mind but not the heart.  This act, this mass pre-meditated murder of innocent people, was pure evil.  In our attempts to be a non-judgmental culture, the word "evil" has gone the way of the dodo bird.  To describe something as "evil" is politically incorrect.  However, I call it like I see it.  This was an evil act perpetuated by a human being with a dead soul, and it's about time someone said it.

I think our reluctance to categorize anything as "evil" also shields us from looking too closely at ourselves.  To think that we are incapable of such an act ourselves is to think naively about ourselves.  You and I have the same sin nature that this man has.  If we leave it unchecked, if we don't allow the love and grace of Jesus Christ to destroy that sin nature and replace it with love, we will be capable of the same act.  Will all of us become murderers?  No.  Or Yes.  In the sermon on the mount, Jesus says that whoever harbors hatred in his heart is the same as a murderer.  Yes, there is evil in you, and there is evil in me.  It's about time we start calling it what it is.

This act in Arizona was evil.  It won't be solved by more gun control, blaming right or left, analyzing mental health, etc.  The only way things like this will stop is when the heart changes.  I guess what is so scary about the murderer in Arizona is that I am so much like him.  I have the same nature, the same anger, the same ability to kill, that he does.  And so do you.  I am in desperate need of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to kill that sin nature within me and replace it with a spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  And so are you.