A Pipeline Explosion, and a Reminder…
Bad news loves to travel, but good news stays at home.
In spite of any good news that there may be about Mexico, once again it’s the bad that makes international headlines, including the recent pipeline explosion north of Mexico City.
We may never know all the details of the explosion, but here’s the short story. The pipeline began spewing gasoline into the air – perhaps due to a theft (very, very common – let’s just say gas is stolen from pipelines daily in Mexico) or a flaw in the pipeline. People who lived nearby started arriving with gas cans or even just plastic buckets to get some free gas.
Soldiers arrived to secure the area, telling people not to steal the gas, but they were soon outnumbered by locals, some of whom apparently became a little aggressive. So the authorities backed off. And then the pipeline exploded.
Imagine, people just out for a stroll, kids, young moms with buckets, men with gas cans – gas spewing metres into the air – the results were horrific.
What caused it? A cigarette? Metal on metal? Static electricity? We may never know for sure. But so far the death toll is over 90, with dozens more injured.
I wrote earlier about gas shortages in Mexico – a situation that has greatly improved since I wrote. But Mexico’s president is trying to walk a fine line by focusing blame on more organized, high level crime rather than the thefts of individuals. And Mexicans are debating who is to blame and why.
But without getting involved in the politics or assigning blame in this instance, the whole sad story has reminded me of the insidious nature of sin. The law can restrain sin to a certain extent (Romans 13:1-7). But when a society attempts to “remove God” from their midst, sin soon becomes a cancer that has infiltrated everything.
Some people go full-in — filling up their lives with sin. Others are much more innocent, justifying their “small sins” that “don’t hurt anyone”. And some are just standing around – and then sin explodes, and unexpected death is the result.
The land of Mexico and its people have some wonderful strengths, and it’s an honour to live here. But like any country, there is an often hidden dark side. And a change in the economy, or tips for good living, or preaching values, or new leadership, can never cut sin out of a culture. Hearts must be changed.
And it was encouraging to hear, as we talked with fellow believers here, that we weren’t the only ones thinking the same thing. Forget pipelines and policies – there is a sin problem in this world that is destroying lives and leading to slavery and overdoses and hatred and murder. And only a change of heart by the Holy Spirit can really address the root issues.
And so we and our fellow believers here are humbled, and yet reminded – that God wants to use us to bring that deep change. And maybe He wants to use you.
Have you ever considered serving in Mexico? Short term, or long term? If so, let’s talk.