Why are we so afraid to intrude into each other’s lives? For many of us, it’s fear of disapproval. We don’t want to be the one to tell a friend that their lifestyle is dangerous, that a certain behavior is self-destructive, or that they’re following the wrong path toward happiness. And most of all, that God will judge them for their behavior. Oh, no, we couldn’t do that. It’s a fine line between gently admonishing our friends and family and being judgmental. How do we know when to speak and when to keep silent?
Chuck Colson discusses contemporary American culture in his recent Blog, Where are the Adults? He mentions that parents are not expected to know anything about their children’s actions. Teenagers operate in a “parallel culture” free of adult interference and their world is defined by their peers instead of their parents. Adults adopt a hands-off approach.
It’s so true. We tell teenagers how important and smart they are (so as not to hurt their self-confidence.) And many times we’re either too busy to interfere or step into their world or we’re afraid of our kids’ disapproval. Look at Phoebe Prince in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Where were the adults? This happens not just with our children, but with each other. We live in a hands off society.
I discussed this last night with Brett, a college student. America has become a dark place and Christians have the only light. So how can the darkness ever change if we continue to hide the light? We, as Americans, cherish independence, self-rule, and self-sufficiency, but what about righteousness, accountability and morality? Godly love means caring more about a person’s eternity than our own likeability. Okay, so now I’m preaching.
But I’m also convicted.
Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. James 5:19
