And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Special Edition - The Shooting in Aurora, Colorado

When tragedies happen, it is normal for people to try and make sense of a nonsensical situation.

But how can a community or a country explain why 12 people have been murdered senselessly? How can we implement a plan that can prevent 58 people from being shot in a place which is designed to provide escape from mayhem and misfortune?

No doubt there will be those who say "better gun control" is the solution. That suggestion ignores the fact that the Aurora theater -- like most locations where there have been mass shootings -- has already been set up to be "gun free." They ignore the fact that a dozen Molotov cocktails would accomplish the same result as did the shooter ... and worse.

There will be those who suggest the movie and television industries must be held accountable for their products, which cloud the difference between reality and fantasy for a few and provide a steady diet of sick sensationalism and stomach-churning visual obscenity for the many. Past history says the entertainment industry would find a way around the "censorship of their art," so they could continue to produce a product that generates easy money.

So, is there nothing to be done, are we destined to endlessly repeat this scenario?

God provides the answer. Our Scripture for today assures us that for those who love God all things work together for good. That is His way of saying He can bring good out of a tragedy like that which has happened in Aurora, Colorado.

And just how would He do that?

Christians know that we who have been redeemed by the Christ are in the world but not of the world (see John 17:16). That means we march to a different Drummer than our unbelieving neighbors.

So, let me ask, what do you think would happen if we Christians, and there are millions of us, stopped attending questionable films, stopped reading doubtful books, stopped buying products that sponsor these television shows?

I cannot help but believe that a loss of income would speak volumes. It wouldn't take too long for garbage to be replaced by something better.

Understand, I'm not talking about an organized boycott. I am suggesting the tens of thousands of Daily Devotion readers remember every dollar they spend on entertainment is a vote, a mandate, which says, "Send us more of the same." Similarly, every dollar not spent on such garbage sends the easily understandable message, "We want something better."

It is my belief that if enough of us were to take a personal stand, the Lord could and would bring good out of evil.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I pray You will be with those families in Colorado who are hurting. I also pray You will clarify the vision of those who cannot tell reality from fantasy. Finally, be with me, so I may take a stand for the Savior and against the world. In His Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 93-95    Philippians 4

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