Avigilante is one who takes law enforcement into his own hands because of the insufficiency or absence of an existing legal authority.

Living in a large society under the rule of law, vigilante justice cannot be the norm.

But it can be morally warranted under rare circumstances. During the church shooting in Texas last month, a vigilante became a hero.

But what about religious vigilantes who believe they are acting as their god’s representatives?

We have seen what vigilantes have done in the name of Allah against infidels (i.e. non-Muslims) in violent acts of terrorism.

But what about vigilantes among Christians?

Are there individuals who feel it is their duty to enforce God’s Biblical laws upon sinners (i.e. everyone) as self-appointed spiritual policemen?

Sadly, there are.

Christians are not God’s agents to bring correction to this fallen world. Only He can do that.

God is very clear in the Bible about how His children are to serve Him in this world: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, sayeth the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

He gives instructions for how we are to intervene if discipline is in order. Galatians 6:2 says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.”

There is a Hebrew word that I love, and it is transliterated as “Ha-la-khah.” It means “your walk,” “the way you live,” “your practice,” or “your custom.”

Your halakhah may be different from my halakhah. God does not want me to force you to see everything my way!

The longer I have lived as a follower of the God of the Bible, the more I realize that God is very capable of shepherding His flock.

He doesn’t need any vigilantes.

Jesus had a vigilante disciple who took matters into his own hands to “help” Jesus. His name was Judas.

It didn’t go well for him.

Next Week: When is it time to make a change?

Dan Williams is the senior adult pastor at Lexington Baptist Church.