The Thin Line

I LOVE a good mystery! Do you? Well, fairly recently my Honey found a show that has been around a while, but it's new to us. It's called The First 48 (I believe). Now it's not for everyone. But we're not strangers to murder because of my previous and his current career. The First 48's premise is that the chances of solving a murder are cut in half, if a strong lead is not developed within the First 48. So everything we watch is the actual filmed as it happens, the First 48 hours after a murder. The locations are any one of several major cities in the U.S. (Miami, Cincinnati, Houston, Memphis). It's well done, as there is not the over-the-top sensationalism that usually taints most reality shows. It's discreet, respectful, and does not show things we do not need to see. That said, it has been a real lesson in human nature to me.

I have seen quite a few murders solved now. I am many times grieved by the senseless loss of life, the brutality that we can treat one another with. What grieves me even more, is this. How many, many times people who really didn't think they wanted to kill someone, make bad choice, after bad choice, which ultimately leads to the trap of committing murder. It's absolutely, heart-rendingly tragic to see happen over and over again. So not only one family is struck with the loss of a loved one, but yet another family loses the loved one to the judicial system for most likely the rest of that persons life.

Not only does the trap of committing murder seem to sneak up on some of these people, here is something else that I have taken note of. Several times I have seen that the person who actually did the shooting (this will sound strange and you may not agree, that's OK.) didn't seem as what I only know to call as "evil", as the person who was with them and who sort of - "put them up to it". It is really infuriating to me to see people who know how to manipulate others for their own purposes. It is a reminder to me that God sees our hearts. Our motives matter so much! The only thing that encourages me about the show is those people are charged equally with the one who actually pulls the trigger. Thank goodness! I am always curious what their reaction is when they find out that their contrivances to not get blood on their hands was not enough to keep them out of the pokey!

Episode after episode it is clear that the Book of Proverbs does not exaggerate. That book overflows with warning after warning and instruction after instruction. Warnings against get rich quick schemes, running with a bad crowd, adultery, laziness, gluttony, drunkeness, failing to discipline and train your children, etc. Instructions to heed wisdom, be diligent, keep track of your properties, honor the boundaries of your fathers, faithfullness, chartiy, good stewardship, etc. These episodes are like graphic. real life illustrations of what happens when you fail to heed these life giving principals.

I am struck by the thin line that separates us all every day from unexpected and senseless death. I am struck by the thin line that separates each of us from the sinful behaviour that robs us and those around us of life. It makes me achingly grateful for the delicate state of life we have. It also makes me moved with compassion for those who are living in a fog of misconception, and wrong mind sets. It concerns me and moves me to not be complacent about the life we have being enough to care about. It's simply not enough to think that if we live and do right all will be Ok. We as people filled with Christ, MUST care, must pray, must train and teach, even if it seems to only be by our life style, (He will give us unexpected opportunities to, by our actions and relationships be able to make a great difference). Somehow, we must each of us do the part God has given us to to help people be firmly rooted and grounded on good solid ground. On a foundation that does not fail. On Christ.

Ok, I know, this was not cheery! Sorry! But, my next post will be! God bless you all!