Americans have seen a significant increase in violent crime last year despite many years of steady decline. Unfortunately, this year is on pace to keep the numbers up. Of course, some high profile recent events have brought the discussion to a national level, and many Americans are genuinely wrestling with different policy options to help reduce crime.

Americans have no shortage of issues they’d call the “root cause” of increasing violence. For instance, there is certainly room for the discussion about mental health. It is a big problem in the U.S. Many also want to discuss access to firearms, hoping to curb the destructive power of those seeking to do harm. The pandemic has created unrest, distrust, and desperation for many in the nation, so we cannot ignore its influence on violence. Additionally, police are hesitant or unable to engage with people due to COVID concerns and anti-police sentiment, increasing violence. Riots spread like wildfire over the last year, and there is not end in sight to mob violence. I’m sure there are other issues individuals would point to as a driving factor behind the violence over the last year, but I think all of these points miss the main issue.

People are sinful, and they need to be redeemed. Romans 1:18 and on to the end of the chapter paint an incredibly bleak, while accurate, picture of humanity. We’re sinful, rebellious, and vile folks. No amount of moving the dials on the factors identified above will fix mankind’s sin problem. I know that believers reading this will see my assessment as obvious, but I also know that sometimes I get lost in my policy ideas and forget that laws, customs, and practices don’t fix hearts. It is important to remind ourselves that no change to the system can produce the results that Christ brings about in our hearts. We were dead in our trespasses and sins, before Christ made those who believe in him alive. In Ezekiel 11, the Lord promises to remove our hearts of stone and replace them with hearts of flesh; we need a fundamental change at our core.

I’m not saying that believers should avoid discussions on policy that may help our situation, and I will certainly be putting out some policy ideas in the future. However, I want to remind those who believe in Christ that it is more important to make disciples than to promote our political agendas. First and foremost, people need to know the Messiah.