This past week the New Year here in Denver was accompanied by the tragic death of Denver Bronco Darrent Williams. I have read the accounts of the incident and of the ensuing investigation. I have seen the footage from the funeral and of heard the stories, memories, and tributes shared by those who knew him best. I have also listened to the sports talk shows and newscast and the question that is repeated over and over again is, "How can something like this happen"?
That question is usually followed by questions or comments about how is it possible that a person could be so cruel and care so little about life. I have heard several people say something like, "How does a person learn to be that way"?
That's just it. It is not necessary for someone to teach someone to kill, or steal, or gossip, for them to be able to kill, steal, or gossip. It is what a person will naturally do if that person does not learn to live in a different way. If anything, a person must be taught to be "good". If you want proof, put a couple of toddlers alone in a room with a highly desired toy. In most case before long, a battle is underway as each toddler wants the toy for himself. Did he learn that by watching others. Not likely.
Most people see most people as basically good. Not perfect, but good. However the Bible paints a different picture. One that is hard to accept. The Bible says that, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) We are forever linked to Adam and therefore linked to sin. We are sinners not because we sin. Instead, we sin because we are sinners.
Too quickly those in our society point to a person's environment as the cause for their wrong actions. Much could be said about this, but that line of thinking makes me wonder if it really did work that way, then how did society become corrupt in the first place?
Now saying this does not mean that I am against working to create environments that value life and promote giving and caring. It's just that if we work to change the culture without realizing the reality of sin and our sin nature, then it is like changing the Tupperware without dealing with the spoiled leftovers inside.
This is why the ultimate answer is not through politics, education, or community programs. The outside (culture) cannot change until the inside (nature) changes. The answer is found in Jesus Christ and the transformation He brings. The answer is in His gift.
For those of us who are followers of Jesus, we must remember that we are the equipment to speak about and live out a radical new way of living.