I have always hated violence of any kind. Maybe this is normal for most people, but it truly disturbs me on a deep level. It’s really hard to put into words. I can remember when I was a kid, there was a fight in the road, outside of my house. These two boys were fighting and baseball bat was involved. I was home and of course knew that it was going on and I literally went into a panic. I couldn’t stand the thought of what was taking place. I felt so aware of the issue and yet so helpless at the same time.
Last night my husband was watching a video that someone had shared on Facebook of a teenage boy who was verbally assaulting his teacher. He was in a complete rage and said some of the most disgusting things. He appeared to be seconds away from physically attacking this man. Sadly, this is not the first video of its kind. And honestly, its not just our teens that have this issue. I have encountered so many people that are moments away from this same behavior. And any wrong move or disagreement sends some into a rage. But as I watched very briefly (because I couldn’t stand it), I didn’t feel anger or want retaliation. Rather, my heart broke for the boy. I’m aware I may lose some of you here and that’s ok. But allow me to explain.
Sin is sin. Whether you are chewing out your teacher or going into a business or school with a gun…it is sin. And it’s evil. We as a nation have lost all respect for one another. No longer do our children honor and submit to authority as they should. Instead of black and white rules, everything is now gray and debatable. “Go your own way”. “Follow your heart”. “Do what makes you happy”. All popular phrases; but they are ones that lead us down a destructive path. Our hearts run deep and can’t always been trusted. What makes me happy may not be what is best for me. Our kids have bought into these ideas and now we are paying the price for it. We have been deceived into believing that our actions don’t matter. Reality is no longer real to some of us. The enemy set the bait….and we not only took it, but we’ve embraced it.
Our children are in desperate times. All of us are. And while some roll their eyes at the talk of more prayer and seeking the Lord, that is the only permanent solution to this rapidly evolving problem. Yes, laws and increased security are a must. And I believe most people agree on that. But, the much deeper issue that dwells beneath all of the arguments is the heart of man. And all of the precautions in the world can’t change that. When anger boils at the surface and hate runs so deep, we can only turn to God. He is the true source of our hope and strength, especially in these times. Our kids need to see us love one another, help our neighbor, and start putting our words into action. We need to put down our phones and look up long enough to see the hurting world around us.
The next generation will take what we do further. So, what will it be? I’m praying that our young people will have such a divine encounter with Almighty God, that they are forever changed. I pray that instead of terror-filled news reports, we will begin to hear of revival in our schools and in the streets. That we come together and love our families and one another. That we begin living in light of eternity. Not just for our own soul, but for others as well. That we search out the least likely one and show them the way out. God help us. There has to be a better way. And I believe that You are it.
“…Nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39 NKJV
