Today there is a memorial in Oklahoma City to forever remember the tragedy and those who perished. What about Timothy McVeigh? On May 16, he will be executed: The first person executed by the federal government in many years. Should this be where it ends? Are there lessons for us all?

I noticed that David Koresh and Timothy McVeigh had something in common. The both passionately believed their particular cause transcended any consequences that may occur. “If innocent men, women and children suffer and die… so be it! What’s important is our passion for the cause!”

We see the same passion in business, where company loyalty and profits mean more than ethics and morality. We see the passion in athletics, when a team sacrifices anything and everything for a winning season. We even see the passion in church, where one group claims to have all the answers and anyone who dares to disagree is going straight to… well, you get the picture.

Ouch! I talk often of becoming more passionate about our faith so is this where our passion inevitably leads? Of course not but there are subtle dangers we all face. We may not ignite a bomb but every time we act smug or condescending or self-righteous we are hurting someone just as effectively.

So what can we learn from the mistakes of David Koresh and Timothy McVeigh? Among the last words on earth Jesus said to his disciples were these: “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) I found four critical lessons within this one verse:

1. “I am the vine; you are the branches…” The Christian life should always be a balance between two extremes. One extreme is to ignore our need for God and struggle to make it on our own. Another extreme is promoting your particular interpretation of God while giving no respect to others. Does our ministry consistently point to the vine of God’s grace and love?

2. “Those who remain in me…” Prayer is how we ‘remain in God’ and should always be our top priority. Prayer reminds us that God is ultimately in control of our ministry and our lives. Prayer is recognizing God’s strength and our weakness.

3. “…will produce much fruit.” Does our ministry seek excellence? Do we strive to excel and set a good example in every area of our daily life? Do our actions reflect our beliefs? Do I listen as well as I talk? Are you a positive influence in your community?

4. “For apart from me you can do nothing.” Are we doing what God wants us to do? Are we reaching those who really need us? Do I have a humble attitude? Do you offer an encouraging word to those who suffer? Can people see God within us as we serve?

How can we avoid the sins of David Koresh and Timothy McVeigh and learn from the tragedy of Waco and Oklahoma City? We work at keeping our faith in balance, maintain an active prayer life, seek to excel in all that we do and never forget that apart from God… we can do nothing.