Moral reformation?

[4JC]

Hi everyone,

Recently some local Christian Churches have been picketing some of the porno shops that have just opened in the neighborhood.
My question is...... Is picketing porno shops an attempt at moral reformation? I've never picketed a porno shop. I don't know what happens at these protests. Do Christians get the chance to witness? Or is the point of these protests to keep the customers away and put the porno shop out of business? This has been bothering me lately and I would like to get to the bottom of this. Is cleaning up the country our job or should we leave it in Gods hands through regeneration? Should we Just preach the gospel? Is it crossing the line to do both protesting, and witnessing? How does this affect protesting abortion clinics since lives are at stake? I would greatly appreciate your Biblical insight on this matter please.

Thanks and God bless,
4JC

[Romans8_1]

Would Jesus picket?  If a porno shop opened up around the corner, what would Jesus do about it?  Think about the times Paul lived in.  From his letters we hear about all kinds of sexual immoral lifestyles going on in temples and all kinds of other things.  Did Paul picket? Did Paul or Jesus stand outside and try to shut those businesses down?  Or .... did they not let this derail their missions.  

Yeah, we can shut down a shop here or there.  So what? What does that accomplish?  This is the symptom, not the problem.  These people will go on-line and get their needs filled.  I've seen very few people show love while holding a sign condemning people to hell as they yell.  It's not Christian-like and there's no biblical doctrine for it.  We are to make disciples of men, not picket.  If you picket, the enemy wins. JMO.  You can't be teaching men love with a sign in your hand.  

Those kinds of places have been in business for over 2000 years.  Paul had them in his time, and we have them in our time.  The problem is a lack of relationship with God.  I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I feel God telling me that many of the things I see on TV are not the answer.  Let's keep our focus on God and pray to Him and seek His face.