Killing for Kicks

Killing for ‘Kicks’

            The recent travesty in Duncan, Oklahoma, where 3 teens killed a jogger for “kicks” has stirred great controversy. Many are appalled at such a blatant act, especially when knowing that the apparent motive was “boredom.” How could that possibly be? Who would do such a thing? For what valid reason would these young men concoct such a senseless murder?

            The media pundants seem to be clueless. The ageless argument of the lack of “gun control” heads the list of liberal reasoning, even though stiff gun laws are well in place. What gun has ever killed anyone apart from a human hand and heart? It’s people that need “self-control,” not the weapons. Then the race card is being played again, which certainly could be a factor from one of the teen’s cell phone records. But the victim being white will keep the “race mongers” like Al Sharpton from making a scene.

            Others are more accurately blaming the effect of video games, which are laced with violence and killing. Then there’s the factor of broken homes, lack of parental guidance and values. These are valid concerns, which explain the absence of discipline and standard of right and wrong. The “law” must be laid down at home first, if it’s to be obeyed in society. And still that’s no guarantee that teens will not break it. But this prevalent attitude of “free expression” has been “killing” us! The chickens are coming home to roost---big time. And this is only the tip of the iceberg.

            Since throwing out the Bible from public life in the 60s, we have reaped a harvest of selfish, disrespectful, and angry brats. Personal responsibility has been thrown to the wind, in place of doing whatever “makes me happy.” We have created an “entitlement” society where “what’s mine is mine, and what’s yours in mine.”

            Getting closer to the root, evolution’s denial of a Creator discards the fact of “sin”, making any abnormal behavior “mental illness.” So now we have children on Ritalin, etc. who are coddled and excused for sinful behavior. Then we wonder why they grow up with no conscience regarding sinful and/or criminal actions. If everyone is “mentally ill,” then no one is guilty of any wrongdoing, for we don’t “lock up” sick people.

            Years ago a personal friend worked in a middle-school cafeteria where students were stealing butter patties at lunch time. There was a minimal price posted over the patties, but was disregarded by most. She decided to place another sign alongside, which read, “Thou shalt not steal.” The response to that “sign” (commandment) was phenomenal. Students began to get under conviction about their “crime,” and their conscience helped them come up with the money. This simple illustration speaks volumes. The conscience of young people needs to be trained by the laws of God.

            Like it or not, it’s time to face the reality of the human heart (spiritual nature). Our whole judicial system has been based on the Biblical concept of human depravity. Sin is universal and thus every society has some judicial restraint. Police work on this premise every day. The three teens in question are no exception, for their senseless plan to kill Mr. Lane had to be resident in their hearts and minds. Let’s face it, psychology, and the rest of academia, have no valid explanation of the origin of murder.

            It was Jesus Christ who said that, “It’s not what goes into a man that defiles him; but rather what comes out of his heart.” (The Bible) Yes, even the consumption of drugs, alcohol, foods, etc. does not go to the heart, but into the stomach, etc. and eventually excreted from the body. He went on to say, that from the heart (nature) proceed “evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, wickedness…pride and foolishness.” That’s not to excuse the hazard of illegal drugs, etc., but to expose the deeper problem of sin that affects all people. Drugs or no drugs, this is the issue that must not be ignored. 

            The Cross of Christ paid the penalty of that sin (John 3:16), making forgiveness possible by faith. In addition, He made a “new heart” available, cleansed from the old selfish lifestyle. Right now there are three foolish teens that have snuffed out a precious life for “kicks;” they need to face this issue squarely, not only in court, but before a Holy God.