19 Jan 2015 by Reverend Jai Kumar –
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
THE INFLUENCE OF THE MIND
Every terrorist and every criminal was once a child. So was every missionary, every scientist and every good living citizen of this world. The question we need to ask ourselves today is: “What drove certain people to the wrong direction?” Researchers would be quick to rationalize the problem by pointing to a DNA reference. Psychologists may arrive at a range of reasons for the existing behavior.
But God says ‘I formed you in the likeness of My image that each child carry and reflect the heart of the Father in your life’. Where did things go out of order then, that the very humans, created in the image of God can be radicalized into some demonic behavior that they go around blowing up themselves and killing people?
By the way, what are the set of factors that motivates ordinary young and educated people to be easily drawn to become terrorists? What is it that is so attractive about that ideology? Is terrorism branded to be just a random, unpredictable act, influenced because of psychologically disturbed people? Or is it because of unfair discrimination that brings frustration to people deprived of basic human rights? Or is it because you happen to belong to a certain religion or race that is marginalized by society? Under the circumstances, is the world seriously able to arrest and deal with the actual underlining issue that is spreading like virus globally?
ARE WE ABLE TO OFFER THE RIGHT DIRECTION AT THE RIGHT TIME?
When the allied troops captured a young American citizen fighting alongside the Taliban, there were a lot of questions asked as to what was the real issue behind the problem with this young man. What actually was the reason for this boy to become a terrorist? It was ultimately discovered that the parents of John Walker Lindh the child who came out of a privileged background was apparently very open-minded so to speak. They didn’t put their foot down when their son was going to drop out of school. In fact they actually were proud of him for pursuing his passion for an alternative course. They never even objected for him to go to Yemen.
Newsweek magazine called it truly perplexing that this young man was attracted to the most intolerant sect.
Prov.14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man but the end is the way of death.
I suppose there is nothing perplexing about it. This young man, I believed, craved for guidance, standards and discipline. Unfortunately Mom and Dad were unable to offer that to him but apparently the Taliban did!
Here is what we need to understand; the reason why the world is finding it hard to eradicate terrorist groups today is because they are highly disciplined and they have an uncompromising strict code of ethics to uphold.
John Walker’s destiny into a wrong direction did not begin in Afghanistan; it began with parents who never said no! And who failed to recognize that their son was too young and that he needed the wisdom and guidance from older people.
Prov. 19:18 says
“Discipline your son in his years while there is hope. If you don’t you will ruin his life”
Many lives are destroyed today because of a lack of parental wisdom for guidance that was not offered effectively at the most fragile and crucial time of the life of children. Often parents have placed over-confidence on their children and in the name of freedom and independence compromised in disciplining and guiding their children. We forget sometimes children need support and guidance from parents; instead we take them for granted.
A GODLY MOTHER IS DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER
Samuel the prophet led the nation of Israel for forty years. He guided King David in some of his most crucial decisions. What made the difference in his life? Who was the dominant influence in his life?
His mother was a godly woman of prayer. You know what? There is great difference between a godly woman who prays for her children and a woman who tries to raise up her kids with her own strength independent of God. Jesus said:
John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
We need the total grace of God in raising our children but so often we try to work it out outside of God and ultimately end up in trouble. Jesus said without me you can produce no fruit.
Listen to Hannah’s prayer at the birth of Samuel:
“I prayed for this child and the Lord answered my prayer…..Now I give him back…he will belong to the Lord all his life (1 Samuel 1:27-28)
There is a powerful demonic spirit out there waiting to destroy the beautiful human creation of God. The devil uses the tool of deception to enslave us into thinking we are not good enough so we easily buy into what the enemy is selling us. Many of us unfortunately are deceived and mesmerized into believing it’s a norm to be victimized by the enemy. Our human mind is so fragile that we are so vulnerable to human influence than to God’s influence.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
THE POWER OF PRAYER
Never underestimate the power of prayer that’s released when a parent pleads with God on behalf of a child. Who can understand how many prayers are being answered right now because of faithful parents who have been consistently praying?
Mom and Dad, there is nothing more precious! There is nothing more powerful! There is nothing more important than the time you spend interceding with God on behalf of your child.
Don’t ever say it’s too late praying for your child who has brought you tears and grief. You will be surprised God can turn things around for your child no matter how hopeless and useless the circumstances may appear to you. The cry of one voice towards heaven can bring about a miracle because you are worshiping a miracle-working God.
Despite the negative things you are seeing. Despite the heavens that are silent for you right now! Despite wondering if you will ever get your prayers answered in your life time. Don’t ever stop praying! Why? Two reasons: Firstly God works according to His timing not our timing. Secondly when godly parents pray, you better watch out! Things will happen!!
Note: Rev Dr Jai Kumar is an ordained & licensed minister of Covenant Ministries International N.J. USA. He is also the representative of Faith International Bible School for Malaysia & Singapore. He is the founder and senior pastor of Full Gospel Outreach Ministry KL. A member of ECCM (Malaysia) Spiritual Adviser & overseer to various ministries and churches. An itinerant speaker with a passion for missions. He is also the author of a book entitled, ‘God’s Time Clock.’
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