It was less than twenty-four hours after our government announced the death of one of the world’s most renowned terrorist, Osama bin Laden, when I was attending our monthly men’s gathering at my home church, Grace Chapel, located in Leipers Fork, just south of Nashville, Tennessee.

You might imagine the chatter around the dozens of tables as few hundred men broke bread together. Discussion of bin Laden’s death dominated the conversation and opinions varied greatly, but most weighted in on the side of relief, joy and glee. But wait, this wasn’t just any men’s group. It was a gathering of Christian men.

Before the start of the service, Steve Berger, Senior Pastor of Grace Chapel addressed the group about bin Laden’s death.

“Guys, I know there is a sense of relief that some of nations finest soldiers eliminated one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists, and don’t get me wrong, I’m proud to be an American, but some of our members have posted comments on social media sites that are of great concern to me,” Pastor Berger commented.

He reminded the group of Ezekiel 18:23, “Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? Says the Lord God, and not that he should turn from his ways and live?”

Osama bin Laden is not the first terrorist to find an untimely and tragic death. The scriptures cite numerous examples of extreme destruction by one leader or nation. The Book of Revelations tells us to expect millions to perish as a result of a vindictive dictator or false prophet.

Pastor Pete Wilson of Cross Point Church in Nashville summed it up by comparing Proverbs 24:17 which says, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let you heart be glad when he stumbles” to Proverbs 21:15, “It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.”

Another aspect that cannot be overlooked is how Americans reacted in the streets of our nations capitol within minutes after the announcement. Sure, many would have ventured out for the experience of just being part of the moment and having a chance to celebrate such a historic moment of grand proportion. But stop and think how Americans feel when the see identical celebrations in the Gaza Strip when Arabs kill an Israeli soldier or in Mogadishu when our own soldiers lost their lives. I must admit; it infuriates me.

There is no doubt that the heightened intensity in both the U.S. and Al-Qaeda camps will make even the most experienced commander nervous of what one or the other might do. But Christians are not only expected, but also commanded, to pray for both peace and the type of justice only God can deliver. In the end, we must remember the ultimate celebration is for unbelievers who finally confess and repent of their sins and accept Christ as their personal savior. Pastor Pete Wilson asked this question as a challenge. Would most of us have rejoiced with equal enthusiasm if we learned of bin Laden’s acceptance of Christ? That can only be answered within our own hearts.

My desire it that the events of the past several days will give Christians an opportunity to discuss their faith and lead others to Christ. Men such as those who gathered at Grace Chapel and thousands of churches worldwide have the chance to discuss what Christ has done in their lives when they are in the break room or locker room. It may give unbelievers pause to consider where they will spend eternity. After all, God’s ultimate goal is for His children to come home and stay home.

In Revelations 8:1 we read there was silence in heaven for “about half an hour”, signifying sadness over the impending death and destruction to come. It would do each of us well to spend at least the same amount of time in God’s presence asking for His direction on this issue in particular.

Pastor Berger summed it up by saying, “There is a dignified Christian way to respond to Osama bin Laden’s death that is rooted in God’s character and there is a way to respond that is harsh and ungodly.”

Let’s pray Christians choose the former and not the latter, and recognize the difference.