Updated 04:40 pm.EST, Sat November 21, 2009

Ministries|Sun, Nov. 01 2009 11:56 PM EDT

Violence Soars Because We've Lost Sight of What's Right and Wrong

By Billy Graham|Christian Post Guest Columnist

Q: Why do you think there is so much violence in our communities today? We've had several shocking cases in our schools recently, and no one seems to know what to do about it. My husband thinks it's because of all the violence that kids see on TV, but I wonder if it's something deeper. - Mrs. T.L.

  • Billy Graham
    (Photo: BGEA / File)

A: Almost from infancy our children are assaulted by images of violence that would have shocked previous generations - and this can't help but have a negative impact on them. The Bible says it is dangerous to "eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence" (Proverbs 4:17).

Parents too must take responsibility for many of the problems we see in our schools (and elsewhere) today. Many become so wrapped up in their own pleasures and pursuits that they pay little attention to what is happening to their children. Instead they take the path of least resistance - which is to let them do whatever they want to do. But this is a recipe for disaster.

There is a larger problem today, however: We have lost sight of the meaning of right and wrong. "Live for yourself" many declare; others cry "Do your own thing". But when we lose sight of God's standards of right and wrong, then anything goes - and we'll run over anyone who gets in our way.

The biggest problem, however, is that we have forgotten God. When we ignore Him and His will for our lives, we end up in chaos and destruction. That's why our greatest need is for spiritual revival - facing our need for God's forgiveness and turning to Christ for the new life we need. Pray for our nation, and ask God to help you join others in making your community a better place.

________________________________________________

Affectionately known as the "World's Preacher" for more than 60 years, the Rev. Billy Graham is one of the most influential and respected spiritual leaders of the 20th century. He has been a friend and spiritual advisor to ten American presidents and has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history - nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories - through various meetings. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.
Sort by: Newest | Oldest | Agree | Disagree
All comments on this page are subject to our Terms of Use and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Christian Post or its staff.
  • Tue Nov 03, 2009 12:15 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    We are now living in the 'last days'--

    The only way to understand the big picture is to look at the Bible and the various categories of signs that the Bible predicted would come together just before the return of Christ. The key to understanding current events is in some familiar old scriptural passages. Jesus Himself gave us the best insight shortly before his execution on the cross.

    "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

    "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. [Matthew 24:4-14]

    General 'signs' Jesus said would be visible prior to His return.

    •Deliberate deception by men of God's Word
    •Rise of false Christs
    •Increase in wars and rumors of wars
    •Famines, Pestilence & Earthquakes
    •Discrimination and hatred against Christians
    •Backsliding, turning from the faith, betrayal
    •Hatred of Christian against Christian
    •False Prophets and "New Age" leaders
    •Lawlessness abounding
    •Love and concern for others grows cold
    •Gospel preached worldwide

    Our Lord told us not to be troubled, because these are only the beginning of "birth pains" [Matt. 24:8]. I believe that God is warning the world. The world has broken His covenant and has gone away from Him and these events are warnings designed to turn us to Him. And what we have seen thus far is just a prelude. The warnings are going to continue during the next few years, even building in intensity. After these warnings, the real judgment is going to come.
    -------------------------------------------------------
    http://www.jeremiahproject.com/prophecy/signofthetimes.html

  • Mon Nov 02, 2009 10:57 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    'Almost from infancy our children are assaulted by images of violence that would have shocked previous generations - and this can't help but have a negative impact on them. The Bible says it is dangerous to "eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence" (Proverbs 4:17).'

    Applicable to the movie "The Passion of the Christ"?

  • Mon Nov 02, 2009 7:31 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

    The truth is that violence is down in the US. The FBI comprise statistical data which shows this is a trend that has been ongoing for some time.

    My wife is a teacher in an urban school district ad she is constantly appalled and outraged by local news reports that exaggerate incidents at schools, ignore good news about schools and students and often just get the facts completely wrong. Unfortunately, local news outlets still follow the ratings-grabbing mantra: "If it bleeds, it leads."

  • Mon Nov 02, 2009 10:19 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

    Actually violence, as we have become more secular, is on the decline:
    http://www.edge.org/3rd_culture/pinker07/pinker07_index.html
    Also, more secular societies have less violence and a higher standard of living than those which are highly religious.

Please help us to monitor our message boards by flagging comments that are unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, libelous, hateful, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable.
Contact Us if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
Comment on this story
ID Password

Don't have a Christian Post ID? Signing up is easy. Click Here

  • icon1
  • icon2
  • icon3
  • icon4
  • icon5
The Christian Post reserves the right to terminate the account of any User who violates our Terms of Use.
Also on CP
Advertisement
Advertisement
CP Shopping
  • Jewelry
  • Health
  • Gifts
  • Church
  • Coins

Bracelets | Chains | Crosses | Earrings | Gemstone |

Featured contents & Giveaways
Joolwe :
Cross-pendant necklace
Bethany House Publishers

It was a balmy California evening. I had gone for a jog before I was to speak at a leadership conference. I still can't recall how I got there, but I found myself sitting on a curb

Featured Advertiser Links