A shocking report came out of Duncan, Oklahoma in August 2013 of the cold-blooded
murder of Christopher Lane, an Australian baseball player and college student as
he was jogging through a neighborhood. Three teenage boys, ages 15 to 17, were
arrested and charged with his murder. One of the suspects has confessed to the killing.
Police Chief Danny Ford said, “They saw Christopher go by, and one of them said:
‘There’s our target’…The boy who has talked to us said, ‘We were bored and didn't
have anything to do, so we decided to kill somebody.’”
(“Christopher Lane, Australian baseball player, killed by ‘bored’ Okla. teens, police say”, cbsnews.com). One of the teens said they shot Lane “for the fun of it”. (Ibid)
Forensic psychologists will analyze the perpetrators. Social commentators will opine and politicians will angle for a political advantage; some for more gun control, others for more freedom to carry. What must not be lost in all of the justifiable outrage is the way violence
has weaved its way into the American psyche.
The sanctity of life and respect for others is eroded by a culture of violence.
From abortion (which violently destroys innocent, unborn life) to sports designed to beat
your opponent to a bloody pulp, we are not so naïve as to think these make no contribution
to devaluing life and disrespecting others. Violence on the streets of American cities is
turned into video games for Xbox—or, is it the other way around?
And then, we decry the violent crime in America! (Gal. 6:7)
The influence of violence is real.
“A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good”
(Prov. 16:29). Proverbs 1:10-18 is as relevant as today’s news: “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’…do not walk in the way with them…”
Paul’s warning is still needed, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals’”
(1 Cor. 15:33).
Avoid the ways of the violent.
“With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the
violent” (Psa. 17:4). How? Love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:39). Treat others like
you want to be treated (Matt. 7:12). Do not be vengeful, but “if possible, so far as it
depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12:17-21).
“Pursue peace with all” (Heb. 12:14).
When people commit murder because they are bored, they have lost all regard for life
and conscience toward God. In our outrage against such evil, let us be sure we are not
blinded by the real effect violence can have on us. Be aware of Satan’s devices;
we are not immune (2 Cor. 2:11; 1 Cor. 10:12).
Edited by Hayden Childs
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