Youth and The Columbine Tragedy            

News of the Columbine High School tragedy is no longer on the front page but the debate rages on. We still ask… Why? What provided the spark that drove Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold to plan such a hate-filled scheme? Can we do anything to prevent future outbursts of violent behavior?   

A recent Newsweek article: In survey after survey, many kids – even those on the honor roll – say they feel increasingly alone and alienated, unable to connect with their parents, teachers and sometimes even classmates. They’re desperate for guidance and when they don’t get what they need at home or in school, they cling to cliques or immerse themselves in a universe out of the parents’ reach, a world defined by computer games, TV and movies where brutality is so common it has become mundane.

Part of growing up has been reflected in our desire to be different, but youthful originality has taken a deadly twist. Sarah Roney, an eighteen year old girl from Madison, Wisconsin wrote: “I think it’s time for our – America’s – Mom and Dad to ground us – to say, ‘If you don’t shape up by the time I count to three…’ and then really count to three. Because we are running wild and pretty soon we’re going to be too far from home to ever get back. There was once a great saying that has rung true throughout the history of mankind… ‘By their fruits you shall know them.’”

As a parent and pastor, I wonder: What can I do? For years the church was considered “out of touch” with real world issues but are we? It has always been the church that took a stand for moral values and ethical standards. God’s church provides hope when crisis strikes. We use the Bible to teach responsibility for our individual and societal shortcomings. Our faith, nurtured in the church gives us the desire to reach out to others and make a real difference in the world.

Could it be time to take a fresh new look at the church and Godly faith? Over the years, I’ve discovered an ever-increasing interest in Bible study, prayer and spiritual development. People are hungry to rediscover their faith in God. But there are hurdles to overcome. One is a persistent myth that the Bible fails to address or fully understand today’s complex problems. Absolutely, not true!

For example: There are literally hundreds of places providing sound guidance for raising children. In the first book of the Bible, Cain the oldest son of Adam and Eve had a severe problem with anger and was insanely jealous of his younger brother Abel. At one point, Cain became enraged when God rejected his offering and accepted Abel’s. Why? Scripture doesn’t say, but we do know that God was concerned enough about Cain’s anger to give him a stern warning. “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (4:7)  

Cain did not master his sinful anger and lured his brother out to the woods and killed him. Later, when the Lord asked, “Where is your brother Abel?” Cain haughtily replied, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” (4:9) Are we our brother’s keeper? Yes, of course we are and it’s time we acted like it!

Cain, just like Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold faced temporary setbacks. All of three youth responded with enraged violence. All three of them desperately need help and didn’t receive it. So what can we learn? First, we take a hard look at ourselves. Then, we begin to take a more active interest in our youth.

U       Adults and youth alike must earnestly desire to set an honest spiritual example for our family and community. Be willing to admit your own shortcomings and seek to improve.

U       Consider becoming a mentor or a guide for one or several youth in your community. Look for ways to encourage and offer opportunities for growth. Include them in your prayers.

U       Participate in a Bible study at your local church and persuade others to join you.

U       When you notice signs of trouble in a young person… don’t wait. Do something now! 

God skillfully combines a warning with a breathtaking promise. Yes, Cain was punished for the murder of his brother and his lack of repentance. We too face God’s judgment. But Cain was also protected: “And the Lord put a mark on Cain, so that no one who came upon him would kill him.” (4:15) Even at our very worst, we all receive a breathtaking and continuing promise that God offers divine grace, love and protection. It is the promise that ultimately makes everything worthwhile and gives us all… hope!