For far too long there has been tolerance of the intolerable. It was an attempt to not cause conflict or make waves. To try and live in peace and harmony with others without conflict. It is clear this didn’t and isn’t working. This reaction was counted on and is exactly what allowed the problems to fester and spread like rust on a surface. A slow corrosive or rotting effect on society. Knowing that there has been a problem without determining root cause and addressing that root cause makes those that have done nothing (nearly all of us), mildly complicit in the result. This has changed. Everyone felt it.
Yes, there were/are those who proactively participated to try to stem the tide and current. Then there are those who are inactive. They’re called passive observers. It’s called sin of omission. I was one of few that persistently stood as a barrier between a caustic culture and moral stability trying to point out theological, philosophical and logical inconsistencies in society’s behaviors contrasted with Scripture. For over two decades now I was a constant thorn in the side of those who would read my blog and social media posts. Some unfriended me. Some told me to shut up. Few agreed and many argued. They told me that I was the one that was harsh instead of the world.
For years I’ve watched the descent of the culture while constantly pointing out the myriad of ways we digressed from a moral and principled path. It was obvious to me. It smacked me in the face every single time I saw the events taking place. I correctly recognized them, identified them and informed people. My voice only went so far. It was one voice in an echo chamber. I had no reach. No impact as I watched my nation (and world) slowly sink into a moral quagmire.
Apostasy or falling away from what is proper is a slow insidious process. It should be better understood as a slow disintigration. It is usually abetted by ignorance or lack of observance. Allowing minutiae and small things to slide into mindsets and views. A compromise here and there, a tolerance of blasphemy, a degeneration of moral rigor, a concession on one “small” matter of doctrine usually blows the wide door open.
The world certainly isn’t going to check itself before it wrecks itself. That much is obvious. The culture over the last 60 years has pulled out all the restraints and cut the brake lines. If the world has no intention of stopping the immorality, then who? It can’t be a compromised church of Christians that sits in inaction or ambivalence allowing evil free reign while being passive observers. Worse, some churches have played the ‘both sides’ game saying everyone’s guilty. Yes, they are, but one side or element is magnitudes worse than the others.
If you are just a passive observer, you are nothing more than an attendee at a show. In the case of many recent events, you’re not even at the show. You’re watching a broadcast and are completely separated from it. You’re not involved. You don’t get to change anything in the story or narrative no matter how loud you yell. Only when you become a participant can you affect the outcome of the story. Those committing the crimes and evils are all active participants. If you don’t become active as a Christan, the outcome will never change.
Herein is where I believe things changed last week for many people. This was the weird feeling everyone was having after the events transpired. It was a paradigm shift. Many felt, as I did years ago that passivity was no longer acceptable. The slumber that our moral laziness and apathy had lulled us into had dramatically ended. We had been roused from our moral torpor. To more accurately state it, many were galvanized in purpose.
Galvanization is physically done to steel to protect it. Specifically, electro-galvanization. In this industrial process, galvanizing is a method in which a layer of zinc is bonded to steel to protect against corrosion or in the metaphorical case…protect against deterioration or decline. The primary use of galvanization used to be for piping in homes for supplying water and roofing that provided protection from the outside elements. Life giving water and life protecting shelter. The physical process of galvanizing involves electroplating, running a current of electricity (essentially an electrical shock) through a zinc-based solution with a zinc anode and steel cathode. This creates a very durable protective shell against decay. Metaphorically, it involves the realization that something needs to be actively done to prevent against harmful outside forces/powers.
Ironically, I should also note that the chemical process of galvanizing is extremely toxic. When plating of zinc was first developed in the early 20th century, the electrolytic solution was cyanide-based. Later innovations occurred in the 1960s with the introduction of acid chloride-based solutions which were even more harmful to humans. A galvanized coating therefore needs to be viewed by its main role which is to act as a sacrificial point of contact with the outside world to prevent further corrosion. So, whether through shock, acid or poison, a galvanization process is now taking place metaphorically in society to stop its decline but there needed to be a sacrificial line of demarcation or boundary that separated two areas in space and time to allow this. A place and time when the corrosion needed to stop and protection or change needs to start. That jolt and subsequent sacrifice was Charlie Kirk's death.
Of course, when I say galvanize, I obviously mean in the metaphorical sense as you’ve probably already discerned above. I mean something has causedpeople to act or become more effectual in stopping something detrimental to the entire system. A galvanization created by shocking or fueling us into realizing we are all at risk to dangerous, corrosive/rotten elements within society and we can no longer allow ourselves to remain unprotected. At least the intelligent among the populace see this.
Therefore, those that were greatly impacted and stirred to action by the recent tragedies have been galvanized. Unfortunately, it took an action best understood as an evil act that had the effect of galvanizing or shocking us into action…or at least they should’ve. Charlie sacrificed his life for what he believed in and we all know this. This is strangely akin to other people in history…especially if we are familiar with our Bible. If what has been transpiring recently has not quickened you, you’re either not human, a monster or dead. Regardless of which, your probabilities of redemption are near zero. For you, the sacrifice was in vain.
What are we among the living to do?
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another" Proverbs 27:17
Friction: The process of two pieces of iron striking against
each other creates sparks and heat, which can be an uncomfortable but necessary
part of the sharpening process.
Refinement: Just as a blacksmith's hammer and file work to
remove dull parts and expose the strong, hardened material of a blade, people
need to interact with others who provide honest, constructive feedback to
refine their character and abilities.
Mutual Benefit: Interaction is mutually beneficial, as both pieces of iron are made sharper and more useful through the process. By sharing perspectives and offering honest advice, people can "sharpen" one another's intellect, spirit, and faith, leading to increased effectiveness and purpose to overcome the darkness in this world.
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