"We Need Self-Control, Not Gun Control"

January 02, 2020 | By Chuck

I can’t stop thinking about the deadly shooting that occurred last Sunday at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas. It’s truly sad that we have to be concerned about tragedies like this happening. There were three fatalities in the Texas church shooting including the perpetrator. My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones. As terrible as this incident is, it could have been much worse. I’m sure you’re all aware by now that the shooter was shot and killed by a church member who was obviously carrying a gun. I’m thankful for the man who was carrying and ready and able to bring an end to this tragedy before more lives were lost.
From what I understand there were other individuals who were carrying guns last Sunday morning at West Freeway Church of Christ. Some may be bothered by that, but I am thankful for those trained to carry and protect. I think the question everyone needs to consider is what happens if no one at West Freeway Church of Christ was carrying a gun last Sunday? If there were no other guns in the church building last Sunday morning, I’m afraid there would have been far more bloodshed and possibly more fatalities. Lives were saved because a church member was carrying a gun. I’m sure some will refuse to see this reality and scream for strict gun control. Guns don’t kill anyone, people do.
Maybe our focus needs to move from gun control to self-control. If people will learn to control themselves, I’m convinced we’ll see a decrease in violent behavior. Just because one is angry, depressed, lonely or anything else, doesn’t give them the right to display violent behavior towards others. When we learn to take responsibility for our own actions then we can work on self-control. Self-control is the ability to not act or react in an impulsive way without first thinking about how your words or actions will affect others. Self-control is being strong enough to not do what you feel you want to do. We need to teach people about self-control instead of gun control.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, SELF-CONTROL”(Gal.5:22-23).
Chuck Ball