Silence, but Not Silent

By: American Decency Staff

 

“A gunman who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State opened fire inside a crowded gay bar and dance club here early Sunday, leaving 49 people dead and 53 injured in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, authorities said.”  Thus opens The Washington Post’s article on this crime against God which took place during the early hours of Sunday. Add the gunman who murdered those within the club, who was himself killed by the police, and that gives us a total of 50 who died during this atrocity.

Let’s take a moment of silence as we reflect on the 50 men and women who were created in the image of God.

Let’s take a moment of silence as we reflect on the other victims whose lives have been forever impacted.

Let’s take a moment of silence as we consider the numerous hearts that have been broken and families that have been forever affected by this evil. In truth, we have all been affected by this to some degree.

Let’s take a moment of silence as we remember that these are now 50 souls who have stepped out of time and into eternity. As they were, they will forever be.

Let’s take a moment of silence remembering the Apostle’s exhortation in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

Let’s take a moment of silence remembering Ecclesiastes 7:2 “It isbetter to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.” Taking a moment to reflect on the frailty and uncertainty of life as these casualties went from a “house of feasting” to a “house of mourning” in the blink of an eye. It could indeed be any one of us.

We take these moments to share in their grief that we might show Christ; and in so doing, take an opportunity to share the compassion of truth.

Putting silence aside for a moment, let’s recognize that this is NOT a gun control issue. Why is it that every time someone goes on a shooting rampage, the government wants to take guns away from those who aren’t doing the shooting?  Why take guns away from the law-abiding citizen, thereby putting others at risk and at the whims of those who would perpetuate criminal activity?

Putting silence aside, let’s recognize that no matter how much they say it’s not about religion, the shooter, Omar Mateen, called 9-1-1 and pledged allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State. Let’s take note that his dad was a long time supporter of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Putting silence aside, let’s acknowledge that these “lone wolf” attacks aren’t so “lone wolf” as the media would like us to believe. Islamic terrorist groups, including and in particular the Islamic State, has called for an increase in so-called lone wolf attacks, especially in the West and in particular during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is taking place right now.

Putting silence aside, let’s speak out loudly that there is a vast difference between Islam and Christianity.While Jesus calls us to love our enemy, Mohammad would call for the killing of that enemy. While Christ calls us to share the compassion of truth with the homosexual, Mohammad calls for the killing of the same. While the Koran would make life seem to have little worth, the Bible tells us that all life is sacred and of worth.

Often the Christian and the Muslim may look too much alike to those who were enjoying the festivities at the nightclub this past Saturday night. When we wield the truth as a weapon instead of living it out with compassion, reconciling the world to God, we do our Lord a disservice. “We are called to live the truth, to teach the truth, to be the truth, and to love our neighbors on the basis of that truth.” (Al Mohler; We Cannot Be Silent)

We dare not remain silent about the atrocities committed against God (for all sin is against our Creator); yet we mustn’t forget our own brokenness and the grace which saves. The truth needs to be presented with boldness and urgency—for time is short—yet it must be presented with love and compassion.

After taking these moments of silence let us speak aloud to the God of heaven. Pray for these victims and the affected families. Pray that God will send a voice of compassionate truth into their lives. Pray that our country may once more have open eyes to the truth, truth in life and in government. Pray that God will transform each of us into better image bearers—presenting Him more accurately—in truth and love.

---

To support our efforts please click here or mail your gift to American Decency Association (ADA), PO Box 202, Fremont, MI 49412.  

American Decency Association is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

 

---