Last Sunday a Midland, Texas church (my hometown) had an incident involving a “gun”.  I learned of this yesterday in my classroom (I teach 7th and 8th grade).  One of my students told me the story in first person.  Seems her dad and mom are pastors at the church and she had an unique insight into the event.  I thought she was exaggerating, that is until I got home and read this article.

Now as a youth pastor myself I must admit I can see this happening at our church.  I have had students bring their paintball guns to church.  Heck, last week I brought my rifle in to let one of our men take it home and repair it for me.  I hate to think what would have happened had we walked out of the building with the rifle in our hands with the police outside.

Here is the scenario: a young man brought his paintball gun to church to show the other students.  A neighbor sees this and thinks there is a man walking into the church to do harm.  At this point I’m not sure whether to laugh or be thankful.  It gets better, the police roped off the area and evacuate residents.  All the while the kids are inside playing a game and doing what you do at church youth group.  I can’t but think of this scene at my own church.  Imagine coming out of the building after your group, oblivious to all that was going around on the outside and being told, “Stop, Police get on the ground now”.

I can’t help but wonder if we as a society have become so eager to look for danger and fear, that we have lost our balance?  What do you think?  Leave a comment.