It was saddening to hear the news recently about the church-goers, in a little town outside of Houston, who were attacked during their worship hour. Apparently several were killed and several more were injured. It’s not the first time something like that has happened, and it will not be the last time, either.

I’ve read a variety of takes on the event, with some offering so-called solutions that really don’t solve anything. One person said churches should lock their doors when services begin. First of all if someone is determined to shoot up some worshippers, a simple locked door is not going to deter them. If they want in, they’ll get in. Forget that for a moment, however; the idea that a church should ever lock their doors while worship is going on is entirely against the spirit of Christianity. It’s called an “invitation” for a reason!

And there’s also the suggestion that churches should have armed guards outside their doors at all times. The last thing I want to be a part of is a wild west shootout inside a house of worship.

There are common sense things that may need to be addressed, such as escape routes and other procedures to follow in the event of a crisis, but let’s not lose sight of who we are called to be. Lets also not forget that Christians are born (again) to suffer persecution. You can’t hide from it or wish it away. It’s part of the life we agree to when we put on Christ. So live the life, be smart as a snake but as harmless as a dove, and don’t let the terror of the world stop you from living the Christian life.

So far there’s nothing we’ve endured in recent history that compares to what God’s people went through in the first century. It could be worse…

and will be better.

In the meantime our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones in the wake of this tragedy.