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 lawbreakers 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, businesses, 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; 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: https://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html