*tap, tap* Is this on?
I really feel for peaceful Londoners right now, and with the riots spreading to other cities, I can only imagine the worry and fear that must be growing in English families in these areas.
We have hyper-stimulated our young people today in every aspect of their lives. There is no time--and way too much restlessness--for real reflection or consideration in their lives. Moms and Dads, for those families fortunate enough to have both, are often too busy with their lifestyles crowded with careers, furthering their educations, volunteering at their kids schools or elsewhere, the ever-ringing phone, and the long list of activities for which their kids are in constant need of a ride somewhere. Parents and children have very little together time to experience peace and deeper communication together.
Young people are bombarded with stimuli: ever-present rage-filled music; an endless stream of frantic, explicitly violent video games; media over-stimulation of every kind; and even sugary starchy foods, caffeine, and power drinks designed specifically to increase energy, both physical and mental. Such stimulation must have consequences. It must be released somewhere.
Imo, one reason we don't currently have riots in America like those in London is that our youth are often both over-stimulated and bored at the same time. But this is only a temporary state. Boredom, dissatisfaction, and restlessness can quickly turn into destructive rage, and one spark that causes anger can start the fire of mob mentality.
Society used to have checks and balances in place to help contain or direct the energy of youth, and especially young males. In past societies our young would burn off some energy working long days with their families. They had the wisdom of grandparents living in their homes. They in some sense respected the authority of those over them, which tempered some impulsive behavior. Discipline had real consequences. And they were far, far less stimulated and had less of a feeling of entitlement. Most of all God was more welcome in more homes--not always because of faith, but often because of fear. There was more of a since of His authority that should be respected.
For centuries, and especially in the modern era, we have steadily removed these safeguards that formed part of a healthy upbringing, and we and our children are the worse for it. Londoners are only paying the price in a more visible way, but we in America also reap what we sow.
We as believers must be the first to change, and thus to begin a change in society, using the wisdom of God's Word as a guide. Let's reject the way the world raises its families. We should be salt and light, especially in this area. If not us, who?
Thank you for being here tonight. There are T-shirts and CD's available in the lobby.
I really feel for peaceful Londoners right now, and with the riots spreading to other cities, I can only imagine the worry and fear that must be growing in English families in these areas.
We have hyper-stimulated our young people today in every aspect of their lives. There is no time--and way too much restlessness--for real reflection or consideration in their lives. Moms and Dads, for those families fortunate enough to have both, are often too busy with their lifestyles crowded with careers, furthering their educations, volunteering at their kids schools or elsewhere, the ever-ringing phone, and the long list of activities for which their kids are in constant need of a ride somewhere. Parents and children have very little together time to experience peace and deeper communication together.
Young people are bombarded with stimuli: ever-present rage-filled music; an endless stream of frantic, explicitly violent video games; media over-stimulation of every kind; and even sugary starchy foods, caffeine, and power drinks designed specifically to increase energy, both physical and mental. Such stimulation must have consequences. It must be released somewhere.
Imo, one reason we don't currently have riots in America like those in London is that our youth are often both over-stimulated and bored at the same time. But this is only a temporary state. Boredom, dissatisfaction, and restlessness can quickly turn into destructive rage, and one spark that causes anger can start the fire of mob mentality.
Society used to have checks and balances in place to help contain or direct the energy of youth, and especially young males. In past societies our young would burn off some energy working long days with their families. They had the wisdom of grandparents living in their homes. They in some sense respected the authority of those over them, which tempered some impulsive behavior. Discipline had real consequences. And they were far, far less stimulated and had less of a feeling of entitlement. Most of all God was more welcome in more homes--not always because of faith, but often because of fear. There was more of a since of His authority that should be respected.
For centuries, and especially in the modern era, we have steadily removed these safeguards that formed part of a healthy upbringing, and we and our children are the worse for it. Londoners are only paying the price in a more visible way, but we in America also reap what we sow.
We as believers must be the first to change, and thus to begin a change in society, using the wisdom of God's Word as a guide. Let's reject the way the world raises its families. We should be salt and light, especially in this area. If not us, who?
Thank you for being here tonight. There are T-shirts and CD's available in the lobby.
