Posted in This is Where I Stand

I was speaking today with a young girl who had recently attended a church youth group lock-in. She had stayed awake all night because the teenagers in attendance were "punishing" those who fell asleep. I will not describe the punishment here, I'll just say it was disgusting. I cannot believe that Christian youth leaders allowed this type of behavior!

Many will say, "Oh, what's the big deal. That's just part of being a kid." When I was a young girl, I attended sleepovers where pranks were pulled. We were all unsaved children, but even then I knew it was wrong. I knew it made me uncomfortable. Why should we, as Christians, just allow this behavior to continue because "everybody does it." If adults behaved this way, they'd be charged with harassment or abuse!

We have decided that our children will not be involved in the church youth group when they reach that age. This lock-in just reaffirms that decision. I believe Christian children should be held to a higher standard of behavior. Disgusting pranks are not acceptable.

John 17:14

I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

2 Corinthians 6:17-18

Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord, Do not touch what is unclean and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

To be a peculiar people means that we stand out from society. Let's stand out for the right reasons. Let's stand on the Word of God. Let's stand up for decency, feminity, chivalry, modesty, and respect. Let's shun the practices of the world because their practices are simply wrong. We don't have to accept things like this.  After all, if we, as Christians, do not teach our children better and expect more out of them, who will?

~Layla