It Isn't Enough

All over America, we've seen a generous response to the great devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. People have opened their homes, their wallets, and their hearts to help. This response hasn't been limited to those of us who were not directly affected either. All through the disaster area, generous people have shared food and water even when they had very little. They've shown kindness to strangers, reaching out to help those who share their pain and loss. It isn't enough.

At the same time the good people have been helping and sharing, others have taken advantage of the breakdown in social order. Looting, raping, killing...they have mauraded across the region, especially in New Orleans. I don't know what fraction of the population these folks comprise, but I'm sure it's fairly small. Yet those few undo all the good that is done by the law abiding. It's not enough just for people to do good; there must also be authority to punish those who do wrong.

The wise king Solomon wrote, "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." (Eccl. 8:11) We've seen that truth proven this week. Man has an evil and depraved nature--despite the propganda of our school system and society, we are not "basically good." Given the opportunity, many will throw off the restraints and do very wicked things.

I'm all for those who are doing good...I applaud and support their efforts, and hope they continue...but it isn't enough.