«My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, ‘Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause» (Proverbs 1:10, 11).
FRIENDSHIP
Laura was a student that really enjoyed college life. One day, a young man’s speech on the injustice in the world and the need to fight against it made an impact on her. She became interested in the subject and began attending nighttime meetings, not knowing she was getting involved in a terrorist movement. Laura’s friends gave her intense indoctrination and training in the use of firearms; then she started taking part in little skirmishes. But a short time later they had an encounter with the army. Several of her comrades managed to escape, but Laura was killed by enemy fire. Her parents were crushed when they heard the news. Days later they went to her college and recognized one of the young men that had recruited Laura: the guy was smiling as if nothing had happened.
Terrorism is a radical tendency that, although it may seem hard to believe, attracts many young people to join their ranks. What favors the progress of terrorism? It’s hard to find an explanation, but here are some reasons:
- Lack of education in values such as tolerance, respect for different opinions, and religious liberty, among other things.
- Religious or ideological extremism, which justifies the use of violence for supposed spiritual or political purposes.
- Radical nationalism, which strengthens itself when people feel they’ve been or are victims of great injustice.
- Social and economic inequality between the rich and the poor is a breeding ground for hate and resentment. The bigger the economic breach, the more probable it will be that conflicts of this kind, among them terrorism, will grow and strengthen.
- Authoritarian leadership that doesn’t allow democracy to take place.
- Lack of political parties or social organizations that represent different segments of society.
- Acceptance of the use of violence as one of the main means to solve society’s problems.
Idealism is a characteristic of youth. But it has to be directed in such a way that it won’t go against Biblical principles, «Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord» (Romans 12:19).
Ask the Lord to help you avoid friendships that will lead you to have violent attitudes.
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Youth 2020
«A New You»
From: Alejandro Medina Villareal
Collaborators: Gezer Noria & Misael Morillo
