While driving this past week flipping through the stations on the radio, a song that, at first, sounded like an old Garth Brooks song began, but it turned out to be something very different. As the guitar was strummed and the melody took shape, this different sounding country song sparked interest and curiosity. The song was titled, “Wait In the Truck,” by HARDY and Lainey Wilson.
Unfortunately that interest and curiosity was squashed as the lyrics of the second verse revealed the protagonist shooting another man in cold blood. The idea behind the plot is that this was a revenge killing on behalf of a female that was picked-up from the side of the road at the beginning of the song covered in cuts and bruises from being beaten by her significant other.
The rest of the song portrays the protagonist being arrested and currently serving a jail sentence for his actions; however, the premise and tone of the song, while not celebrating such an action, certainly gives credence to it in this situation. It would be what some might consider a “just” killing. But is it really? Is it ever “just” to take the law into one’s own hands, becoming judge, jury, and executioner, and take the life of another person who has been created in the image of God? The answer returns to us from the pages of Scripture loudly and plainly—NO (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19)!
This song is not talking about self-defense, nor is it referring to defending one’s home and family. Those are situations where “stand your ground” laws are in place and rightly so. This song is talking about murdering someone in revenge for a wrong done to another person. We, as individuals, are not allowed to commit murder because of a wrong done to ourselves or someone else. Yes, the guy who was murdered in this story was completely wrong for beating his girlfriend/wife/lover. Absolutely, he should have been arrested, tried in a court of law, convicted, and received the appropriate punishment for his crime, but instead, he was summarily executed by the protagonist who didn’t really know him nor did he know the protagonist.
Are physically abusive relationships toxic and contain atrocities that many people can’t imagine? Yes, without a doubt. However, cold-blooded murder is never justifiable before Almighty God. That being said, for anyone who has ever been or currently is in a physically abusive relationship, please know that as a husband, a father, and a pastor, my door is always open to anyone—woman or man—who is living in such a relationship. This is an area where the church has failed so ridiculously bad. Those in church leadership have been stymied from the fear of liability and litigation because most pastors aren’t “licensed counselors.” A certification from the state is not required to listen to someone, to speak the truth in love, or to do the right thing. Do issues and circumstances exist that require individuals with advanced training? Absolutely. But picking up the phone and calling the police, making sure the victim gets medical attention, is fed, and has a safe place to stay as things are getting sorted out is simply the right thing to do. AND, it's biblical.
We, as believers and followers of Jesus Christ, have to step up and help those who are victims of physical abuse, those who are hurting and feel completely alone, those who are at the end of their rope. Why? Because if we choose to continue to remain silent and sit on the sidelines, songs like this one, won’t just be misguided art expressed on a stage, a screen, or a radio—they will become reality in the life of a person who is influenced by the lyrics to believe that such an action is justifiable in a similar situation. It isn’t—EVER!
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