I’ve got one of those coffee mugs that have “Gibb’s Rules” printed on it. If you remember, Jethro Gibbs is the experienced, grizzled chief of the NCIS law enforcement agents. There are 46 of these rules and some of them are self-evident, such as “never let suspects sit together,” and “There is no third best.“ My favorite is “I don’t believe in coincidences.”

So here is the coincidence: We have seen many gun-related crimes and acts of terrorism in recent years. The New Orleans terrorist attack comes to mind. At the same time, surveys done by various research firms such as the Pew research and the Barna Group indicate that the U.S. has been growing less and less religious over the past sixty years. The group identified as the “Nones” who claim to espouse no religion has grown from 20% in the 70s to about 28% in recent survey years. Most churches are experiencing a drop in membership.

Like Jethro Gibbs, I don’t believe in coincidences. Especially when things tend to match up. During the 70s when I grew up in a small town, many boys had gun racks in their pickups with rifles in them. At the same time, the small town churches swelled with worshippers, as the country singers Montgomery Gentry used to sing: “If you want a seat you better get there early.” I don’t recall any school shootings during those years. Coincidence? I think not.

The scriptures say “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Let’s test this theory out this New Year and get to church in repentance. It can’t hurt.