Bullying- Another deadly stumbling block

Matthew 18:6-   ‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. 

In recent weeks, reports have abounded about children and young adults who have taken their lives as a result of being bullied.  Though the most recent rash of suicides dealt specifically with those harassed because of their sexual orientation, we know that children are targeted for all sorts of reasons.  Any teen who looks a little different, acts a little strangely, is of a different race or religion, or simply doesn’t blend into a crowd is subject to this kind of dehumanizing treatment.  Why the upsurge in such violence?

Though it would take a sociologist years to truly answer the question, I fear that children are merely following the example of the “adults” who are around them.  As I write this during election season, our airwaves are filled with political advertisements that seek to tear apart the opposition.  Each side slanders the other and the cycle spins out of control.  Even in our churches, the debate over critical social issues like war and peace, abortion, and sexuality can devolve into name calling and treating the other as enemy.  When we feel the need to beat each other up to win in political or theological arenas, is it any wonder that our youth follow suit and engage in destructive activities?

Jesus provides a stark warning to those who choose to follow him.  When our sins of action or inaction lead teenagers and children down a path of violence instead of peace, we no longer stand with God but stand against God.  As Christians, we should discuss the controversial political and theological issues of our day.  No matter what the hot button issue is, we are obligated to come together as a community and seek God’s will for our lives.  But we must do so in a way that embraces difference and dissent.  We must not tear down the other simply because they believe God leads them in a different direction.  When we as adults can learn this lesson, we will demonstrate to the little ones around us that following Jesus means to be both passionate about one’s beliefs while remaining open to seeing our savior at work within the other.  Only then will we answer Jesus’ call to remove the stumbling blocks of those around us.