Obsession With Death

As a youth pastor, being around teens, I have seen a heightened obsession with death. I see students who clothe themselves in all black. There are bands who have become popular with teens who's main agenda is death. There are TV shows that focus on death and one that has become popular is The Walking Dead. I have counseled numerous teens over the years who claim they have considered ending their life early. This obsession with death makes me sad because it is not of the Lord.

We have become desensitized to death because it has become so prevalent in culture. I read recently that the average teen will observe 50,000 murders take place, by the time they graduate from high school, through various media channels (*). This happens through watching the news, TV programs, video games, movies, music videos, and the list goes on. Death has crept into society and people have become immune to violence.

Those who are obsessed with death need to be cautious in their pursuits. What many people don't realize is that something that may seem so innocent can play right into the devil's hand. If a person is exposed to and is obsessed with death, then that can be a conduit for the terrible influence of the enemy upon a person's life. All the enemy needs is a foothold and then you will open yourself up to all kinds of problems that will cause major separation between a person and their Creator, God. The more a person is exposed to death and violence, it will lead them to places that are far from God. 

Humanity is of value. God has made every human being with a special design. Genesis 1:27 says that each of us were "created in the image of God". There is no one on the face of this earth who was created or born a mistake. Psalm 139:14 says that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made". God holds us in high esteem and has given us life, and offers abundant life, through Jesus Christ. There is no need to linger in death because Jesus offers life. Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the LIFE." Jesus is Life!

Sanctity of life should be championed by all. We must guard our hearts and our minds and be transformed through the washing of the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. May we be careful to guard ourselves from lingering in death. May God give us life through Jesus, and as Jesus lives His life through us, may we bring life to dead places.


(*) Footnote:  www.parentstv.org