Take This Tragedy to Heart
Two teenage girls in Kokomo recently died after hitting a utility pole with their car as they drove drunk at 4 AM. Such tragedy is always hard to bear. Yet, Solomon once wrote, “Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men; and the living will take it to heart” (Ecclesiastes 7:2).
Have you done, as Solomon suggests, and taken this tragedy “to heart?” There is something to be learned from the mistakes of others and the wise will learn from it.
Children, have you learned not to disobey your parents? One of the girls in this accident was supposed to be spending the night at a friend’s house, not going to a party and cruising at 4 A.M. If she had been obedient to her parents, the promise of Ephesians 6:3 is that she would “live long on the earth.” She chose to disobey and now she is gone.
Parents, have you learned the danger of alcohol? Apparently, these girls got drunk at a friend’s party where the parents were serving the alcohol. Yes, this is illegal. Yet, it is also immoral. All over the television we hear “Drink responsibly” and “Don’t drink and drive.” The problem is that’s not Bible, it’s beer commercial! Christians should be saying “Don’t drink!” Intoxicating beverages often lead to disaster. How can one be expected to be responsible when putting a drug into their body that makes us irresponsible? How can we have good judgment while drinking down a poison that causes bad judgment? The best way not to get drunk is to do what Proverbs 23:31 advises, “Do not look on the wine…”
Friends, have you learned your lesson? It is too late to help these girls. Nevertheless, how many of you have friends who do sinful things that endanger their bodies and souls? Too many times we keep quiet when we should speak. Will you stand back and simply watch the world swallow down sin and error on the rebel’s road? Or, will you show them the better way of Jesus Christ and the path that leads to heaven and the abundant life obedience brings?
The time to act is now...before it is too late. True love does not just feel, but acts. Think about it.
May 2007