|
Bullying...A Sign of the Times
by Robert Driskell Several local news stories this week have brought the issue of bullying and racism to the forefront in the minds of many people in our city. Acts of violence committed against one another simply because of cultural, racial, religious, or some other difference. Every human being has intrinsic worth. This worth comes from being created in the image of God. If our worth was given by God, then no one has the right to try and take it away. Why do these acts of violence occur? The Bible tells us that these tendencies come from within us: What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. (James 4:1-2 NASB) This passage of Scripture tells us that our selfish desires and lusts can so overpower us that we will fight someone else because of them. These lusts take control of us, so that we don't think straight, we don't act appropriately, and we think we are in the right while doing so. In very few instances is there reason for inflicting harm on someone else except in the case of self defense. There is no excuse for inflicting harm on someone for pleasure. Anti-bullying laws may reduce the instances of violence, but only a heart change will eliminate this terrible problem. Only through a relationship with Jesus Christ can a heart be truly changed. God can soften the hard heart and fill it with love: "And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh..." (Ezekiel 11:19 NASB) As a society, we wonder why there is more and more violence. While, at the same time, we continue to disconnect ourselves from the only true source of love. That source is now, always has been, and always will be, God The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:8 NASB) (C) 2010 Robert Driskell Seeking to introduce people to Jesus Christ and to help them become "transformed by the renewing of their mind." Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |