The tragic events in Minneapolis over the last two weeks offer several lessons for Christians.
A couple weeks ago, there was the shooting of Renee Good. And then just over the weekend, the shooting of Alex Pretti.
Both of these events were tragic. And both of these events have become highly controversial.
In the shootings of these two people, both of them were involved in some form of protest, obstructing the actions of the federal agents in Minneapolis.
The context of both events can only be described as a very confusing situation on the ground there.
In both cases, federal law enforcement officers said that they acted only in response to a clear and present danger to themselves, not just impeding their work, but representing a (deadly) threat, one with a car and another with a Sig Sauer P320 pistol.
The basic facts of these incidents are very much in dispute.
On one side, Trump administration officials are saying the facts of the incidents support the officers’ use of deadly force. On the other side, we have activists saying that both were murdered and that law enforcement claims are wrong.
For Christians / Adventists, we might be asking, do we operate with respect for the rule of law or not? This is a good question to be asking, in the midst of a time somewhat characterized by chaos.
If we wish to live by the rule of law in our country, there are certain structures and codes that apply to us and to law enforcement officers. Whenever there is a killing, there will always be an investigation, under the rule of law. The law enforcement officers involved in these two shootings will be investigated. That’s a good thing. They are accountable to the federal government and to federal law.
That doesn’t mean that the conclusions of the investigation will always be to the liking of activists. But there will be an investigation, and our task is to wait for the outcome. We don’t believe that law enforcement agents are automatically above error.
Waiting can be a very hard thing to do, but it is the right thing to do. Rushing to judgment can lead to wrong conclusions, and wrong conclusions can lead to embarrassment later. At least it should.
There is a LOT of confusion on the ground in Minneapolis. And it is intentional. Why is that?
This intentional confusion is not brought about by law enforcement. The intentional confusion is brought about by a number of very well-organized leftist activists. There is intentional mayhem and obstruction right there on the streets of Minneapolis.
As an example, many of the activists carry whistles. They blow these whistles in the presence of federal agents, creating an ear splitting cacophony of sound. These leftist activists do this to create intentional chaos and confusion. These activists are seeking to impede the work of ICE and other federal agents when it comes to the crackdown and enforcement of undocumented (illegal) people in the United States. They believe they can do this by creating chaos and obstruction on the streets. This creates a very volatile situation.
It should come as no surprise (in the midst of this kind of confusing and chaotic situation) that if you purposely obstruct and harass federal agents and present yourself as a danger to them, it will end badly. These agents are there with the full force of the federal government to enforce immigration law and it is no surprise that efforts to obstruct them could end very badly.
For Christians, we either believe in the rule of law or we do not. If we believe in the rule of law and prefer it over chaos, we understand that there is legitimate authority (based on Romans 13) and it will have to be handled through investigation and adjudication. We either believe that or we don’t.
Otherwise, we end up following whichever mob is angriest on the street. And anger does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20). Following the crowd, or mob, does not bring justice (more about that later).
Be patient. Waiting is difficult, but it is also essential. Indeed the fruitful foundation of righteousness in the last days is patience (Revelation 14:12). Patience is a hard discipline for us Christians, but it is worthwhile. We have something that these ICE agents on the ground don’t have—the luxury of waiting. They often have to make split second decisions in the midst of violent and chaotic circumstances.
Conclusions
As Christians, do we respect the rule of law, or not? Intentional obstruction of law enforcement will end badly (Romans 13:4; 12:18).
Don’t interfere or tussle with law enforcement. If you do, your chances of a long happy life decrease significantly.
Here’s a practical question. Is border enforcement and immigration & naturalization the purview of the federal government or the states?
There is a massive worldview clash going on right now in our culture. It’s not really about immigration, it is a much bigger issue. The issue is respect for law versus lawlessness. These are the two clashing worldviews. I’ll go one step further and say that what we are seeing is the loss of an essential ingredient that held humanity in check. Agape love. Jesus prophesied in Matthew 24 that time was coming when lawlessness would abound and love of most people would grow cold (Matthew 24:12). We are seeing the reality of this condition. Let us be among those who love others because of the agape love of God in us.
Don’t follow leftist activists, they are headed off the cliff (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Ephesians 5:6). We tend to side with people because they ‘march’ with us. They offer alignment without repentance or righteousness (Exodus 23:2). We saw this in the mob calling for the release of Barabbas and the death of Jesus. When a person follows their emotions, they are one step away from choosing evil. All you have to do is be in a crowd, following emotion, and you become evil (Mark 15:13-14).
Be patient. In your patience, you possess your souls (Luke 21:19).
Don’t be led by your emotions. Feelings are the reward for doing right; they are never the guide to what is right.
We shouldn’t have blind trust in government or leaders. We must follow principles laid out in the Word of God.
Stay sharp, love God, and walk in Truth.
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“You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice” (Exodus 23:2).