Can I tell you a secret? Sinners sin.

This apparently is a secret because I am amazed how Christians react when sinners do outrageous acts.

Our current indignation is about a pair of shoes. (I will not name the shoes or the artist because I believe there is no such thing as bad publicity.) I have seen outrage from Christians, fear this will corrupt our children, and dismay that this could happen in a “Christian nation.” But what I have not seen was “hope.”

Hope?

What if instead of railing against this young man, we prayed for his salvation? Have you ever considered how he could effect young people if gave his life to God? He could have an effect like Paul. His salvation would be a living demonstration of the power of God, the grace of God, the redemptive power of God.

And can I tell you another secret? When we criticize and attack this young man, we are partnering with the very spirit we despise.

So what, Melissa, we should just stand idly by and allow the spirit of darkness to rule over our land?

Of course not. We should remember how we fight.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭CSB‬

““Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:16 CSB

So how should we fight against the “shoes.”?

1. We have open conversation with our children. We pray God will lead them in paths of righteousness. We lead by example.

2. We ask God to show us this young man as He created him. We stop seeing this young man as the enemy but as one created by God and then we pray accordingly.

Pray his eyes are opened to the truth.
Pray he would feel and experience God’s love.
Pray God’s goodness would lead him to repentance.
Pray his orphaned heart would be healed.

Remember it’s not about shoes. It’s about the soul.