This article is not an official article written by the police or the news, it is written from personal experience from someone who has seen more in this world than I would hope most others have. It is also written not just for this generation but for the next, the generation where kids bring weapons to school and murder each other on city streets. This is for you, kids, because I was one of you once, and I remember growing up in a confusing world and trying to keep my head screwed on straight. I would read the book of Proverbs because I found it pointed out a lot of wisdom and direction for a kid trying to grow up in a world by myself with no real authority at the time and terrible role models. I found God is faithful when no one else can be found or trusted. Even if He sometimes comes through for me at the very last minute, literally at one second to midnight.
This article is not an official article written by the police or the news, it is written from personal experience from someone who has seen more in this world than I would hope most others have. It is also written not just for this generation but for the next, the generation where kids bring weapons to school and murder each other on city streets. This is for you, kids, because I was one of you once, and I remember growing up in a confusing world and trying to keep my head screwed on straight. I would read the book of Proverbs because I found it pointed out a lot of wisdom and direction for a kid trying to grow up in a world by myself with no real authority at the time and terrible role models. I found God is faithful when no one else can be found or trusted. Even if He sometimes comes through for me at the very last minute, literally at one second to midnight.
Integrity
Integrity is living honestly, from your heart, mind, and soul. It is practicing what you preach, doing what you say you do, and being who you say you are. It is keeping your word, and being honest and trustworthy. It's admitting when you make mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions. It's the opposite of hypocrisy. It's doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do, even when no one else is watching, and no one will ever know except for you and God (who knows even your thoughts! and still loves you anyway). In this article I'm pretty blunt and straightforward, so whether you laugh or cry or both... think about your life.
Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll
It's no surprise to anyone that "what's bad is good" in Hollywood entertainment. Crime and corruption make great stories of mystery and intrigue. But in real life, it doesn't translate... have you ever noticed they always leave out consequences of bad choices in the movies because it's depressing and doesn't sell movies? No one ever gets STDs, criminals don't get caught or go to jail. Everyone smokes, drinks, and uses drugs but no one ever gets sick or in car accidents. The 'good guy' never dies. Also people get shot all the time and it's not a big deal. That's because, at the end of the credits, everyone's still there. If it were live drama, everyone would come back to life and take a bow at the last curtain call. Most TV and movies are really fake. In filmmaking school, they actually teach people to put a "twist" into the movie to change the viewer's perspective. Whether that means feeling sorry for the mentally ill killer, seeing through the eyes of the stalker, or realizing at the end of the movie that what's "bad" is "good" after all.... Don't shut your brain off when you flip on the TV or movies, because unfiltered garbage might seep into your brain and become part of your mindset.
In the music industry, it may seem like everyone is trying to "out-sex" each other and "out-bad" each other because they really believe it will sell more music. People go overboard on a marketing whim blown out of proportion by the media (e.g., "sex sells"), and they forget about quality content or anything worthwhile to say. Basically it's a "marketing gimmick".... Like little kids trying to get negative attention, it may seem entertaining at first but gets annoying after awhile. "Badness" might work for a "lucky" few for a short while, but in the long run, good quality music and good marketing and business practice sells more records, and doesn't get banned from radio.
Some people believe nightclubs are a thinly veiled cover for organized crime, and I guess that would depend on what nightclubs you are going to. Some places are about good quality music and a fun time, while others are about partying until you can't remember your own name. It's a good idea to be well aware of your surroundings, and always keep your eyes and ears open, because you can't just assume everyone there is harmless and has good intentions in mind. If you suspect illegal activity, crime, or violence, find somewhere else to hang out. Keep your head screwed on straight where it belongs. Be very clear on what is entertainment and what is reality, what is right and what is wrong, and where things you do might lead to in the future.
Alcohol
Why do people drink? The reasons people drink can be telling. Do they have one or two when relaxing with friends? Or is alcohol a way for them to forget their problems, or become totally plastered and out of control? Also alcohol has different effects on different people.... Know your why, and know your limits. For some, their limit may be no alcohol at all. For others, it may mean only certain drinks and only certain amounts, and definitely no driving. All it takes is one car accident to destroy your life. Alcohol has a tendency to cloud your judgment, so be smart and be careful. Don't expect your friends to stop you from going too far, because your behavior and decisions are your responsibility.
Sex
This is such a big topic it deserves its own article.... The bottom line is to respect yourself and others, and don't do things you or others will regret. If you don't respect sex as a way to express love and intimacy and bring two people together in a romantic love relationship that is meant to last a lifetime, you could end up with unwanted pregnancy, STDs, destroyed relationships, and broken families. I personally believe most problems with sex in our culture stem from a lack of understanding of love. If God created sex for love and intimacy to bring two people together as one soul for a lifetime journey together... and sex is special when it's reserved for your one true love... then be the kind of person your ideal lover would want, and choose that person carefully. True happiness and real love, intimacy, and friendship are more precious than anything else in this world. You don't have to have sex to express love in casual dating relationships. There are tons of ways to show affection, and sex means more if you wait and build a strong relationship based on mutual trust. In our generation, people come from all backgrounds, and it's not too late to change your ways and respect yourself and others if you are not accustomed to doing things the way God would want you to do.
Idolatry
Idolatry is placing more importance on things in your life than you should, especially anything more important to you than God. This can involve physical things (materialism) or the love of money (greed). This can be yourself (narcissism), or your boyfriend or girlfriend or crush. This can be anything in your life that is out of line with right priorities. God said, "You shall have no other Gods before Me." (Exodus 20:3) It is the first of the Ten Commandments. If God is first in your life, everything else will fall in place. "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well". (Matt. 6:33) It is not wrong to have things, but everything in your life should be second to and subject to God.
Drugs
Drugs are similar to alcohol in some ways, except that they are illegal in most places. This should mean off limits, but since some people aren't concerned about breaking the law, I will point out that not only can you be charged and get a criminal record, and you need to be concerned about it, but also you give money to criminals when you buy drugs and you support their crimes. As far as the effects of drugs on people, these can vary from person to person. Some drugs may have less visible short and long term effects on some people, while on others, the drugs can be very harmful and lead to accidents, sickness or death. It should be noted that mind-altering substances are generally not healthy or safe for you, period.
Addictions
Addictions are the point where people have lost self-control over their 'habit', and perspective on life, because the drug or alcohol starts to take over. People generally need outside help and a friend for accountability to deal with these situations. If they were really in control, it wouldn't be an addiction. Often the desperation can lead to erratic behaviors such as theft, and sometimes violence, to get money to buy drugs. And it's really sad because people start to lose their humanity, because the drug is in control and they really aren't. People with addictions need help. But you can't force anyone to change their ways. Sometimes people with addictions can be dangerous, and if this is the case, it is probably better for you to not get involved.
Theft
Theft is a crime. Some people seem to think it's okay if they don't get caught, but eventually it will catch up with them. Even if no one sees, God sees. For every lie you tell, you have to tell more lies to cover up each lie. The momentary thrill theft may bring is overshadowed by its consequences... a criminal record, time in jail, the loss of trust of everyone you know, loss of respect for yourself. Theft could cost you your future, your reputation, trust of your friends and family, your job, your freedom, and the life you have built for yourself. It's not worth it. If you like thrills become excellent at something... sports, music, travel... something you love that matters to you and leads to a better future or time well spent. If you like things, get a job and learn how to make money, and build your future on solid ground. Don't envy others for what they have that you don't. Money and things are not what's important in life. Happiness, Truth and Love are what matters. Stay honest and do the right thing. Learn skills that lead to a good life. Spend your fun time in productive ways and choose your friends wisely. You don't want to get caught or blamed for other peoples' crimes.
The Illegal Drug Industry
Most people who buy drugs don't think about where they come from. The illegal drug industry is run by criminals, greed, threats and violence. It's an industry with no guarantees because people can get killed or beat up and maimed over disagreements and money. Some young criminals will tell you the early retirement they expect to see is 'jail or dead'. The thing about illegal drugs is, it's easy to get involved in and can be very difficult to get out. 'The first one is always free' to hook you, because it's the first step in a direction that leads toward addictions or a life of crime. Either way they want your business for life, even if they start selling you drugs at 12 years old. Drug dealers are not concerned if you overdose, they are business people and they want your money. A lot of lies are told and 'peer pressure' is used to get people to buy drugs. Usually if you say "no thank you" and move along, they will sell their drugs to someone else.
Pornography
Pornography is everywhere today. The actual pornography industry involves a lot of abuse of people (including children for child pornography, which is obviously illegal). Porn plays on people's sexual desires to form sexual addictions to hook them. Basically it misses the point of sex, which is not only for pleasure but for love and intimacy between two people, and through repetition destroys that precious sensitivity of mutual love and respect in a love relationship, and any respect for people in general, because they become disposable objects based around the user's self-gratifying pleasure and not real human beings with hearts, minds and souls.
The Prostitution Industry
Some sex trade workers work for themselves. Others work for pimps. It's a dangerous trade and a woman never knows when she or her 'friends' in the business may find themselves in situations where they may be dead the next morning, buried in someone's field, or their bodies thrown in a ditch or in pieces in a garbage can. Many get involved in the sex trade as very young girls, age 14 or even younger (sometimes only 10 or 12 years old), when they run away from home and 'get a job' on the city streets. They are actively sought out by pimps, who use intimidation and subtle threats to keep their self esteem low and money coming in, as the girls sell their bodies and give the lion's share of profits to the pimp, often with very little left for themselves. In most places this kind of work is illegal. And even when it isn't, it is still dangerous, not just for the risks of death or harm, but also for sexually transmitted diseases (of which most probably have at least one), and the working and living environments are often very dangerous as well.
The Gay Community
There's a big difference between gay lovers and the gay community, and gay activists and gay people. Politically some people might want you to believe that all gay people are monogamous lovers for life who were born differently. But some statistics say an average North American gay male has sex with 500 or 1000 men in his lifetime and his life expectancy is age 45 (due in part to STDs). Many are introduced to homosexuality in childhood, through pornography, sexual experiences or sexual abuse. Many more are introduced into the gay community at age 14-18 or are recruited in college by others in the gay community. For some, orgies become a way of life. Sometimes people choose a gay lifestyle because they've had very bad experiences with women or in life in general or for other reasons. Some are in abusive or codependent relationships just like heterosexual lovers. Before you judge people from this type of background, or any background for that matter, listen to their stories. There is usually a reason why people are the way they are, and most people need compassion, forgiveness and acceptance, not judgment. The promiscuity of the gay culture is not all that different from the promiscuity in the club culture and the world at large, except maybe they take it further in some ways.
Gangs
Most kids get involved in gangs because they are looking for a place to fit in in this world. The gang becomes their family. Sometimes gangs have initiations where people have to endure violence or commit violent crimes to be accepted into the gang. Other times gangs are like-minded friends who hang out, steal cars, steal money from shops with weapons like knives, break and enter, get into fights, and generally live the criminal lifestyle. (According to the police, three people who consider themselves a gang technically are a gang, because they are capable of the same kinds of crimes including mass shootings.) Some gangs have connections from city to city and are responsible for shootings on city streets where they murder each other and anyone else accidentally in the way. People in gangs often end up dying an early death or in jail for crimes or murder. Regardless it is a very harsh lifestyle that may involve murder, crimes, secrets, lies, jail, theft, violence, deaths, and betrayals of friendship and trust... not the family they were hoping for.
Criminals
This is a general term... some people are lifestyle criminals or commit violent crimes due to abnormal mental conditions. But if you consider a criminal to be anyone who has a criminal record, you can get a criminal record for dangerous driving, drunk driving or driving without insurance. Or you could get a criminal record for armed robbery, stealing cars, violent crimes against people, murder, rape, or theft. You could get a criminal record from dealing or smuggling illegal drugs, which may be illegal in some places but not in others. You could commit crimes and might not get caught, or only get caught for some of them... you could be criminally minded and cruel but technically never carried out anything 'illegal'. Sometimes people 'get off' and don't pay the penalty for crimes due to a judge’s compassion or a loophole in the law. A criminal record could prevent you from ever leaving your country to travel. Crimes could land you in jail or custody. You could be partly responsible for crimes if you were there and never reported them. You could live a life in fear or on the run. Some criminals get killed in jail by other criminals.
Generally the shortcut that crime appears to provide has a very high cost and does not pay off in the end. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12) Sometimes people land in jail because they were framed for something they didn't do. Sometimes the law seems completely unfair when penalties may seem too light or too harsh for their crimes. Violent criminals may end up back on the street while political or financial crimes leave people in jail for half a lifetime. Some places still have capital punishment, while in other places people may get six months in jail. Laws can be changed without warning. Also some places may have laws that seem silly while other places have no laws against some things. The human legal system tries to be fair but it is imperfect; however, God's law is perfect. "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27) God is the perfect Judge who knows all things and in spite of the strengths or weaknesses in our human legal systems, "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:26). Only God can truly set us free from our crimes, pardon our sins, and pass out judgment as He chooses to anyone who does not follow His laws. He has put authority in place for us to follow, but He is the ultimate authority that all authority answers to.
Weapons
Even a body part can be considered a weapon if it is used in violence against another person. But more obvious weapons involve knives and guns that are illegal to own or carry around, or perhaps legal but used in crime to harm another person instead of its intended purpose (like cutting up dinner or hunting). Like the illegal drug trade, there is an illegal weapons trade to sell guns to kids in gangs, to criminals, and passersby. It doesn't pay to be involved anywhere near this, as you can get charged for owning an illegal weapon, it can get stolen and used in violent crimes, accidents may occur, or you may use it in the heat of anger when otherwise you might have made a better, less costly decision. Some people may live in dangerous areas, or for whatever reason training in self-defense may be important, but usually there are plenty of options available like avoiding bad areas and situations, alarm systems, cell phones and 911, and leaving justice to the police not you. Owning illegal weapons and giving money to criminals who sell them is asking for trouble. In certain places it is not illegal to own certain types of weapons, but depending on your situation I would say it's not recommended unless you need it for a very good reason. Also be aware that in some places laws are so tight that you can get ticketed for parking two inches too close to a fire hydrant, and in other places violent crimes could happen and no one would ever find out, so be fully aware of your surroundings.
The occult
The occult can refer to anything from religion to entertainment to Satan worship. In its most dangerous forms, it may involve animal or human sacrifice, consulting with spirits, brainwashing and suicide. Often people become interested in the occult through 'magic parlour tricks' or in search of power and control over other people. Some people are self-styled satanists who read the Satanic Bible, while others belong to actual groups that meet and practice religion or witchcraft together. There is also a wide range of entertainment available such as psychics and spiritualism, books and movies, music and roleplaying games that are doorways that lead into Satanic practices. Some popular entertainment may seem harmless while others are purely demonic. Be aware, and remember that Satan is the father of lies, and that nothing he promises ever materializes in the end. He is the destroyer of souls, and God will destroy him in the end. God created him, like He created us, and God can do what He wants with His own creation. Remember the Spirit of Christ is far more powerful than anything, including demonic power, and He is one prayer away.
Suicide
Suicide is often an act of desperation because a person has given up on all other options to solve their problems. It's been called "a permanent solution to a temporary problem". To teenagers, emotions and problems seem bigger than they are. All problems seem hardest to overcome the first time you face something, or when you're young, and you feel you have no control over your life and the world around you, especially for anyone going through problems alone. Don't go through anything alone if you have a choice, because other people can help you put things in perspective. If you have to go through things alone, learn to depend on God, because He has the bird's eye view of your life and the world, and He will help you get to your destination. Pray, and keep praying, and don't give up. When I was a teenager I heard a song on the radio, "Hold on for one more day, things will go your way". Remember that. Someday you will live somewhere else, you will have a job and life that you choose, and your generation will rule the world. Hold on, because when you are ready, that day will arrive, and in the meantime, there's a lot of learning and preparation to do. If you have problems that are too hard for you, get help, and if that help doesn't work, keep looking and keep looking until you find good help. "Seek and you will find" (Matt. 6:33) … because the answers are out there and you can't give up easily. You have to keep trying until you make it, because you will when you keep trying and don't give up. Remember, God is bigger than all your problems; He controls the universe and lives in eternity beyond our little world and our problems and our daily life. Pray, because He can and will help you... and keep holding on until that answer comes. God will always provide a way out in all your problems, and will never give you more than you can handle. Have faith in yourself, and hope for your future, because God has a plan for your life. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'" (Jer. 29:11-13).
Family Problems
This is probably the hardest thing anyone can go through. Your family problems affect you in a way that no outside problems ever can. This is where the real test of keeping your head screwed on straight comes in, because even when you relax and sleep, you still have to keep your head screwed on straight, and this can seem impossible. Your family can be your best friends and your worst enemies. Do the best you can to work toward solutions and not be part of the problem. Your family will outlast everything else in your life except your relationship with God. Some people leave their families because the problems are too much for them, and in the case of violence or addictions or if you are unsafe, this can be a good idea but it isn't always. What you need to do is find friends or people you know to help you sort out what's going on inside of you and in your family, whether it's a trusted adult friend, a counselor at a youth shelter, a pastor from your church, a teacher or mentor, or several different people you can learn to rely on and trust. Sometimes they can see what you can't. They can help you get through the tough times. Balance is very important, and if you are stressed, be sure to take time off every week just to have fun and laugh. It will ease the rest of your week. Laughter is a great healer. I used to read a lot of psychology books as well as the Holy Bible to help me understand people and the world, and to hear what people's different perspectives were on situations.
Money
It's important to understand that money comes and goes and is not a goal, it is only a means to provide what you want and need in life. Some people go overboard and do wrong things for money and pay for it later in greater ways. All you really need is enough to live on, and then to save some money for a rainy day and later on for retirement. Money can be helpful in life, but it's not worth 'selling your soul for' or doing wrong things for. Most people who are promised 'fame' and 'wealth' to do wrong things never get those things anyway. If having a lot of money is important to you, learn about business and how to make money in the right ways, and then use your extra money to support good causes to make the world a better place. For most people, it is more important to love your job and life than how much money you make, as long as you have enough. Always remember to try to set aside some of your money to help out the poorest in society and in our world, and for causes that support people with real physical needs.
Responsibility
Ultimately you are responsible for your own thoughts, words and actions, and how you interact with the world around you. Your responsibility is first of all to God, who made you, then to yourself and your family, then to your friends and society. If you are a leader in some way, you are also responsible to some extent for your influence or how your actions affect others. You can't control other people's behavior, but you can influence them in right or wrong directions, especially at important turning points in their lives or in decisions they make. If you care about people and our world, you may consider it important to not only keep your own life in order, but also to influence friends and people you come into contact with in right directions through living your life as an example of God's love. It's important that you understand yourself and your true role in life, and stay true to yourself and to God. Knowledge and wisdom are very important to keep you on the right path. You should be learning new things every day, whether through prayer and the Bible, talking to God, or people and the world around you. Understand your priorities, and keep your life in order.
Conclusion
A lot of crime and corruption boils down to people taking advantage of other people. People motivated by sex, money, power, greed, evil... Love and Truth are about treating people with respect, and in the same way you would want them to treat you. It starts with an understanding of yourself and how God sees you, the value of human life, and the fact that all people are individuals loved by God. He's kind of like a shepherd who loves each one of his sheep so much, that he would leave ninety-nine sheep in a field to go searching for one lost sheep... YOU. I was one of those people... an individual who didn't fit into the system easily, not always accepted by the mainstream church, but accepted by God, the only one who matters. The One to whom all governments must answer. The One who knows all things and created each one of us, and gave His life for us to pay for our wrongs against each other and against God's perfect law of truth. Even if you were the only one on earth, He would have died for you on the cross. Even if you are a criminal reading this God's love can reach you. When Jesus Christ died on the cross between two criminals, one of them said to Him, "Remember me..." and Jesus said, "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:32-43). God's Love and Forgiveness is beyond our understanding. God's Love conquers all... He lives in eternity way beyond us. "Sin" literally means "missing the mark". If you aren't perfect, you need God. We as humans are all on the same level in this regard, for "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). In a confusing world, God is still perfect Love, and the perfect solution to all our problems. While we as people work out our situations here on earth, God is there to guide us and lead us into His perfect Love, which forgives us of our sins, heals us of our past, sets us free to love ourselves and other people, and guides us into Eternal Life in His eternal purpose. The details are in the Holy Bible, and in prayer and relationship with God. If you seek... you will find. (Matt 7:7-8)