Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins

Real Needs of Today's Youth Today’s youth may be pretty much the same as in the past, but they are facing issues that were never dreamed of just a generation or two ago. Leaders in churches, schools, universities, business and government are searching for clues regarding what we need to provide for them – and, what we should keep from them. Drugs, sexual promiscuity and the attendant sexually transmitted diseases, gender identity, etc., are subjects constantly reported in our newspapers, magazines, movies, even courts of law. It would be arrogant for me to suggest that I know all the answers to these issues, but I may have some of them. What Our Youth Do Not Need Unfortunately, our society now provides too many of the things our youth do not need. Some may be inevitable because of the times, but how can it be good for a generation of teens to have access to the perverted products of pornography? The movies are so addicted to porn that it is said a “G” rated movie will lose so much money no studio wants to make one. As they say in the media, “sex sells.” Cartoon Violence is now so commonplace that some are rated the same way a movie is rated; G, PG, PG-13, etc. Social scientists have known for years that the more violence one sees or experiences the more likely it is that person will become de-sensitized to violence. Copy-cat crime is now increasing, including murder, kidnapping and sexual assault. Considering recent decisions of today’s courts, America’s Judges are not likely to curtail these dangerous elements. Someone is going to claim them as his/her “right” and will push those “rights” as far as their community will let them. But where do parents fit into this equation? Do parents not have “rights” too? Governments usually determine our “civil rights,” but God is sovereign over man and governments everywhere, Daniel 4:25. Our youth do not need absentee parents. They do not need parents who “sub-contract” their children’s up-bringing to others. Schools cannot serve as surrogate parents. The diet served up by many today is entertainment. Feed them pizza and take them to the theme parks. Give them something to do. Even teens see this as an attempt to “get rid” of them for a while. It is good to give them something to do, but it ought to be something worthwhile. They need to be challenged, not entertained. Taking them places has its value, but putting them in situations in which they can serve others, helping them to understand there is a role, a place for them in this world – that’s even better. Criticizing today’s youth is pretty easy, and while some criticism is deserved, a better term for what youth do need is “discipline.” No, I’m not talking about a spanking (though that is often exactly what is needed). Youth must learn how to discipline themselves. “Discipline” includes self-control, instruction and correction. Administered wisely, discipline will better prepare young people for life and eternity than criticism. Youth have to face their weaknesses and make the needed corrections. They should not have to sit around trying to think up things to do, but they should discover their strengths and be given an outlet for their use. The familiar words of an unknown poet fit here: “The idle mind is the devil’s workshop”. Learning the ways of God and how to grow spiritually in our world will be a blessing to all of us today and to generations to come. Don’t give up on our youth! Our Youth Do Need... The negatives so far enumerated mentioned imply some pos positives. What do our youth need? They need what God gives and what parents are supposed to give. Purpose, goals to reach, guidance, opportunity, examples, people worthy to admire and to follow, boundary lines with reasonable limits. These and others are needed by all of us, and especially those who are young in years and looking to their future. Note the words of Psalm 119:9: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.” Looking back many years to my own youth, I still have very vivid images of men and women who gave me what I needed: parents, association with other Christians, Bible teachers, educators and other adults who gave me the opportunity to grow and prosper as a person and an individual. Yes, it was a more simple time, but Satan was at work even then. In the words of other young people as well as our own, these are some ways you and I can help them: Don’t: hesitate to make a difference in my life. Don’t: be afraid to correct me how and when I need it. Don’t: be a hypocrite or a slacker as a Christian. Don’t: fail to uphold the elders and God’s truth. Do: talk to me as a friend and brother/sister in Christ. Do: take an interest in my life – and show it. Do: encourage my parents to be strong Christians. Do: study your Bible so you can better teach, guide me. Carl B. Garner

"Torn Dollar Bills" The prophet Joel poured from the depths of his inspired heart God’s sweet call of redemption. His cry to Israel stated, “Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God,” Joel 2:12-13. The torn heart of the soul is the start of a change of mind, thus restoring spiritual life found in the illumination of God’s Word. The contrite spirit of sadness is a product of God’s good grace and is a true treasure to be found. This is why the Psalmist wrote, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn thy statutes,” Psalms 119:71. The treasures of the world will always differ from those of the just, for the just man has the Word of God upon his heart. Jesus has said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” Matt. 6:21. Your mind compels your spirit to its focal point in life. ‘TREASURES OF WICKEDNESS PROFIT NOTHING: BUT RIGHTEOUSNESS DELIVERETH FROM DEATH,” PROVERBS 10:2. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Matt. 16:26. What do you truly treasure in life? Kasey Kromer, SWSBS 1st Year Student