06 06 11 Think On These Things

“Think On These Things” June 11, 2006 As indicated earlier, I join with area pastors this morning in speaking to violence that has been a growing reality in our communities especially among our youth. Why am I doing this? I am convinced that violence in a community is the problem of everyone in that community, and seeking solutions is everyone’s responsibility. There is no us and them. There is only us. But how do I speak to something as complex as the causes of and solutions to violence without sounding naïve and simplistic? That’s what I’ve wrestled with. One thing I know for sure – this message will not be an answer to violence. You can’t preach at it and make it go away. It’s one thing that can be done – should be done – but by itself, preaching will prove woefully inadequate. In my struggle, it struck me that one often cited root cause of violence among our young people is the lack of positive, responsible adult role models. Who are our kids’ heroes today? Too often it is an anti-hero. Today it’s a music or sports celebrity. And this is not to say that there aren’t positive role models in that crowd, but those who have most captured the adulation of our youth are the ones who are ALL ABOUT THE DOLLARS, ALL ABOUT ME, WHAT I CAN GRAB FOR ME, ALL ABOUT THE SHORT-CUT and THE QUICK FIX, ANY MEANS TO JUSTIFY THE END OF WHAT’S GOOD FOR ME. . I decided for my contribution to the chorus of pastoral voices to lift up to your attention people who, ...