I just got back from working at a middle school dance; one of the little perks about being a middle school teacher. I guess I shouldn't be surprised about what I saw. I was in middle school 20 years ago and I have some memory about what it was like. There were pregnant girls and guys who came to school clearly strung out on drugs. There were fights, one kid even got pushed through a window. So, I should expect things like that where I work. But to see 12, 13, and 14 year olds grinding on each other and other forms of "dancing" that pushes the limits of seduction; I am left to feel greatly disturbed and appalled. There in the gym I started to pray and command the devil to leave and not 10 minuets later did I see it get worse and I was hit with feelings of not having what it takes to work this job.
Now, as I alluded to, this is nothing new. Behavior like this, even in children, has been going on for far, far longer than I have been alive. But maybe it's the fact that I'm grown up or maybe it's that I am a Christian, but when I see things like that I can't help but feel like my heart is in great sorrow over the death of innocence, and I'm just not sure what to do about it. Of course I could, and did, walk up and tell the students to separate, but the problem is still there. This isn't about what happens on the dance floor. This is about the cause. Now, streaming through my thoughts I can already conclude what will be said in the end: the cause is sin and the solution is grace. While "grace" still has that sweet aroma of peace to me, I just can't help but feel overwhelmed by the seemingly enormous problems I perceive children are facing. Of course, I am not talking about all children. There are those in public school (and I say this to those who think public schools are all from the devil and home schooling is the only way to go) who are incredible kids. Students who are not only excited to learn but also make others excited to learn because of their enthusiasm. They are some of the most wonderful people I know, and I could name several of them right off the top of my head. I know them well because I want to protect them from what the enemy wants to do to them. The other students are the ones more often talked (complained) about, and yes, they are the ones I saw doing all sorts of things on the dance floor. However, I don't think it is just a simple matter of blaming their behavior on them or even on their parents. It can't possibly be all one person's fault. I personally believe that the world, the devil, and our own sinful nature have been working at this for an extremely long time to get things to be where we are right now where unspeakably tragic things are done to children and where life itself has become so... what's the word... unregarded, expendable, and not counted as precious nor of the highest value. No one person started all this (unless his name is Satan) and I do realize this has been around a very long time. But what is the answer when it all seems so daunting? Is it enough to beg God to do something? But I just don't, I can't, believe that God is some entity billions of miles away who might care about what is happening down here if we scream loud enough. I do believe that God cares more than I could ever comprehend and as much sorrow my heart may go through over the death of innocence, His goes through infinitely more. Maybe that's the plan all along, for the devil to try to hurt God. Maybe that's why the Bible tells us that the devil will bite God's ankle but He will crush him underneath His foot. I guess it is just difficult for me to see the victory in the middle of the battle. "Who will rescue (us) from this body of death? Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 7:24-25. Jesus is Lord and King. He is also the most faithful and wonderful friend I have ever had, and if He hasn't done something about all the crap that goes on in the world, I do believe it is for a very good reason.
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3 comments:
Well and honestly said, dear Duane. Your thoughts are mine as well, over the years. And those of many others over the centuries. You are not alone. Father God's heart aches with yours. Indeed, He is heartened to know that your heart is becoming more and more like His. To be honest, seeing and hearing what few things I have seen and heard, I am surprised that we are all still here. What could possibly have kept us all from annihilating each other if not God and His infinite mercy? As Gandalf said,"Though there are strong and evil forces for Bad, there is also Good in this world. And that is a very comforting thought." And, of course, it goes far beyond that sentimental thought -- God is mighty, omnipotent and sovereign as well as tender, loving and merciful. Good beyond our ability to comprehend. And the war has already been won by Jesus our Lord.
So I say to you, young man, take heart. Be of good courage. Yes, your King calls you to a daunting task, but it is one in which He will lead you to VICTORY. Yes, you will be dogged by discouragement and despair, but remember whose battle it is. It is His, and the precious lives and gifts for which your heart aches have been presented to you for you to receive in His Name. Pray for power, wisdom, humility, love and courage in the midst of battle, on the front lines. Perhaps not all, but assuredly some, lives and innocence may yet be saved. He is with you, and will not allow you to fall. Tim
I feel you my brother! When I was a little boy, I remember a day when I was in the pig pen with my Daddy feeding the hogs. I got too close to some of the piglets, and momma sow charged at me with wrath. I turned and saw my dad and ran straight to his open arms as he was running toward me. I knew who to turn to and trust knowing he cared as much for my life as I cared. He saved me from some scratches that day, but most of all he saved me from fear and a feeling of being alone. You, Duane, know the danger "of the hogs" and you know who to run to. Many in this world including droves of middle schoolers like to play with the piglets oblivious to the danger they are about to encounter with momma sow. Like you, it grieves me that they don't see the danger, and sometimes I have to get back in the myrrh and try to warn them in love of the dangers. But more importantly, the One who saved us loves them even more and He is there at ALL times close enough to reach out and save them IF they are willing to turn and look to Him. He will save them IF they look. I suppose you and I and others need to trust that and even though we feel defeated and down at times, we aren't. We only need to help them SEE Him, the One who is there reaching out.
I am becoming increasingly convinced that the middle schools and the high schools are the most critical battlefields in our nation.
Teachers are this nations warriors on the spiritual battlefield that you so eloquently described in additional roles of coach, friend and chaperon.
Teachers are simultaneously this nations warriors on the educational battlefield that is surpassing the military battlefield in significance.
Spiritual significance can not be compared to either military or education. Both are insignificant.
We are all incapable of being effective on any of the fronts without Jesus Christ, the tender warrior and victor.
Thank you for fighting the good fight!
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