Code Red - This is Not a Drill!

Hidden Enemies

Dec 09, 2024

“While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”(1 Thessalonians 5:3)

Last week we looked at some of the hidden enemies that war against our souls. We read how bad theology can rob us of our peace. We considered how living with a heart of gratitude builds up our joy (and being ungrateful steals it). We came to understand that unforgiveness kills - and forgiveness is your greatest weapon for healing.

We also explored ways that Satan is transforming himself into the “good guy” in our society. And I also shared a personal story about hope.

All of these things - peace, hope, forgiveness, Godly teaching, and discerning the enemy - are all part of the Spirit-filled life and Biblical worldview.

This week we will look at other enemies of our souls in places once thought as off-limits; what is happening and why; and what is the church’s response.

Shiva - The Destroyer god displayed outside CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. Today there is an air of dark destruction that seems to be enveloping our world even in places we once thought as safe.

Lurking Enemies

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

It’s hard to imagine that we have to be concerned about enemies in places that used to be sanctuaries such as churches and schools, and yet that’s today’s reality.

In our schools, for instance, every week it seems some threat or tragedy is reported. These dangers include bullies and fights among students; drugs and weapons on campus; educators that are forcing indoctrination on innocent minds; perverted actors who abuse our children; inappropriate reading material; and campus invaders intent on killing.

Hundreds of age-inappropriate, “sexually confusing, explicit, objectionable, and profane books were placed in schools in classrooms and libraries….” in a Virginia school district.
Last month in Prunedale, California a teacher was arrested on charges of sexual assault on two minor students.
In Riverside County, California, a teacher was arrested for physically assaulting a student.
Last week in Oroville, California, two little kindergarten boys in a small private school were shot.
In Fremont, California a few days ago, there was a bomb threat that was emailed to multiple schools in the district.

These are just a handful of examples facing our families in schools each day. How are schools supposed to react or prepare for such events, especially for something as violent as a school-wide, armed intruder?

Code Red

Schools have historically been thought of as a place of safety. Today many schools have daily armed police presence; metal detectors at the entrances; bars and gates on doors and windows; and some schools are even resorting to arming teachers.

“As of January 1, 2024, at least 28 states allow schools to arm teachers or staff (not just trained guards or peace officers) in at least some cases or as part of specific programs.”(source)

When there’s a violent threat anywhere in the vicinity of a school campus, the school principal announces a Code Red. Historically, this has been the procedure:

Announce a Code Red lockdown
Call the police
Lock all doors
Remain in your rooms
Teachers bring students in the halls into your room
Cover all windows
Barricade doors
No one leaves or enters any rooms or the facility
(Source)

Most teachers aren’t trained to confront an armed intruder so they are instructed to take a defensive position by hiding behind barricaded doors, huddled in a corner with their students. They are to stay out of sight; away from windows; away from doors with all lights out.

Their only defense and protection is to hide.

Dangers from without and within

“I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.”(2 Corinthians 11:26 NIV).

Just as in schools, our churches also face similar threats. In the US we read stories about violent attacks during church gatherings, or ministers who have abused their congregants.

A pastor was accused of selling meth out of a United Methodist Church
A woman recently shot into Joel Olsteen’s Lakewood gathering using a weapon with a sticker that read “Palestine.”
A shooter at The Divine Church of Deliverance and Transformation Holiness sought to shoot a staff member during a service.
Ministers assault young females
Hundreds of Priests abuse young boys

“The 900-page report detailed abuse by more than 300 priests and described systematic cover-up by church leaders throughout the state. In the months following the report, more than 100 dioceses and religious orders released documents online naming credibly accused priests.”(source)

Peace and Safety

Churches have historically been thought of as a holy places of sanctuary. Today, however, something is changing. Threats are coming from within the church as well as without. Schools can issue a lockdown when there’s an intruder, but what is the Code Red for churches?

To be continued…

Today’s Question

Verses to Explore

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”(1 Timothy 5:8)
“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”(Proverbs 22:3)
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35)
“He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.”(Psalms 18:17)

Today’s Prayer

Father I pray that you help us be discerning and wise as we think about the things we have to face in our society. It is our duty to protect those in our care and those we love, and yet many seem to be apathetic about that. Today we are facing an increasing atmosphere of danger. Our enemies may even be among those we trust or love.
Help us to discern who we can count on and who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Expose those who are lurking in our churches and schools that are untrustworthy. Help us to be aware of ulterior motives from friends, family, teachers, pastors, or priests. Encourage men to take their protective roles seriously and women to be vigilant and not naive.
Help us not to live in fear. Give your people divine protection. Spare your children the devastation of violence wherever they are today. Place your hedge of protection over those who bear your name.
We thank you for watching over us. We thank you and praise you that your eyes see it all. We also thank you that we have a better home and future waiting for us. May all honor and glory be yours. Amen.❤️