On December 15, 1791 the
First Amendment to the United States Constitution was
ratified and clearly
states:
“Congress shall make no law
respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;
or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of
grievances.”
I would like to emphasize, “abridging
the freedom of speech,” and “the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and
to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Nowhere in the First
Amendment does it endorse: mob violence, destruction of property, physical harm
and/or death, and even profanity, spitting on people, etc. Yet, this is exactly
what is happening. Please notice that it says, “peaceably to assemble.”
(emphasis mine) If I’m not mistaken mob violence, destruction of property,
physical harm and/or death to others are still illegal activities.
Why are we not treating these
acts of crime as criminal activity and dealing with these law-breakers with
legal force? Actually, there are several reasons, but primarily people have
rejected God. However, even among citizens who want nothing to do with God,
there must be civil obedience to the laws of the land. When we get to the point
of picking and choosing which laws we will obey, and which laws the government
will enforce, we are a nation of ‘mob’sters (pun intended).
I understand and agree
wholeheartedly that rogue police officers should not be serving in law
enforcement. After they have been found guilty the first time of unlawful
enforcement they should be relieved of duty and charges brought against them if
necessary. On the other hand, police officers are often attacked by people who
are out of control. There are always two sides to every story.
I think we all agree that it
is way past time for police officers to stop turning a blind eye from the
illegal activities of fellow police officers who are just thugs in a uniform. They
should be turned in and charges brought against them, just like any other
citizen.
One major truth I certainly
do not want to omit is that most police officers are not like this and should
not be categorized with rogue police officers. Law enforcement officers put
their lives on the line for us. We need to support them, and we Christians need
to pray for them and their families.
This mob activity has been
going on because of some terrible things that have happened to others. However,
I’m confused. What does all this have to do with those who have lost their
homes, business, and livelihoods to the burning and pillage of illegal mob
activities? What does this have to do with stealing inventory from businesses
and private homes? What does it have to do with attacking others and causing
them harm or death? The answer is, “nothing!”
Then why are certain people
in our society committing criminal activities, besides the fact that a certain
person enjoys funding anarchy?
We all have the right in this
country to protest, legally. We do not have the right to do so illegally, but yet those
in charge of the protection of their community do little to nothing in some
areas to put an immediate stop to it.
The Lord Jesus Christ said
through the apostle Paul, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever
a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the
flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap
everlasting life.” (Galatians 6:7-8)
Considering the illegal
activities over the last several weeks and with the words of God in mind, it is
clear that permissiveness breeds contempt then anarchy. I find these
words very interesting and revealing, especially when seeing other words that
are synonymous with each of these three words.
Permissiveness:
·
Tolerance
·
Leniency
·
Laxness
·
Liberalism
·
Modernism
Breeds Contempt:
·
Disdain
·
Dislike
·
Disrespect
·
Disapproval
·
Scorn
·
Hatred
·
Derision
·
Arrogance
Then Anarchy:
·
Disorder
·
Chaos
·
Lawlessness
·
Revolution
·
Mayhem
·
Rebellion
·
Mobocracy
Permissiveness
I have stated several times
that the Dr. Spock permissive society of raising children produces little imps
that grow up to have no respect for authority and for the rights of others.
They are spoiled brats, and it doesn’t matter whether they come from a wealthy
or poor environment. Children need to be taught to respect others. They don’t
have to love them, but they need to respect them.
For the last sixty years, at
least, leadership and discipline from parents have been in decline. Today in
many areas it is nonexistent. Children need good parental leadership and
discipline just as much as they need love. If you do not provide proper
leadership and discipline for your child or children, you are not showing love
toward them, because you are creating a monster for a future society.
Breeds Contempt
Without leadership and
discipline children will disrespect others. They will attack those in
authority. They will take advantage of those who are weaker. They will thrive
on hate and derision. Their arrogance will know no bounds.
They are self-centered
bullies who always want their way. They blame all their problems on others, and
it’s always someone else’s fault (according to them).
These youngsters who grow
into adulthood, become a problem for society to deal with simply because their
parents failed at leadership and discipline.
Then Anarchy
In extreme cases these
children who are now adults create disorder, chaos and lawlessness. They
affiliate with mobs that destroy the lives of others. In full-fledged rebellion
their mob mentality revolts against anything that is lawful. Mayhem and
mobocracy reign.
Conclusion
Yes, I know there have always
been unlawful mobs to deal with, but the shenanigans we are seeing today are
about as bad as it gets. We have reaped what we have sown. We have sown to the
wind and reaped the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7)
Whether we speak of our
federal, state or local government, the government exists to serve all
the citizens of that jurisdiction. It is there to provide protection from those
who would cause destruction and/or harm to its citizens. When the
protection is not there and the bully mob is allowed to do as it pleases, the
government has failed. Folks, the Lord says it is just going to get worse. The
closer we come to His return, the more pronounced evil will be.
Maybe you’re saying, “Looks
like I’m on my own.” If you are a child of God you are not on your own, and
you’re not alone. You have the host of Heaven at your back. The Lord showed
Elisha’s servant that, “One with God is a majority.”
“So he answered, “Do not
fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And
Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then
the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain
was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:16)
Grant Phillips
Email: Phillip5769@twc.com
Pre-Rapture Commentary: http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com
Rapture Ready: http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html
