These Little Ones

‘It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.’ (Luke 17:2, NIV)

Given the recent media surrounding the prominence of child sexual exploitation via a recent film, it is unfortunate to admit that this heinous act has persisted for a very long time. And abhorrently, its prevalence seems to have no limitations on whom is perpetrated upon…not in gender or in age.

It is horrifically disturbing that the most vulnerable members of our population endure or are fatally impacted by such evil. I acknowledge that not everyone holds religious beliefs, and that's perfectly fine for this discussion. However, we can all agree that subjecting children to any form of sexualization, whether through ideological indoctrination, “gender-affirming care” leading to body mutilation, or sex trafficking, is unequivocally evil irrespective of religion. Our common ground lies in the shared understanding that children should be shielded from any form of harm, rather than being exposed to it. And we should protect them from predators who deserve nothing less than the death penalty.

Allow me to offer three perspectives on such matter:

Understand Evil

In the wide scope of life, we encounter the undeniable effects of evil. To navigate this complex world, we must understand and acknowledge its existence and reality. As human beings, we possess a remarkable capacity to discern between good and evil, light and darkness. This discernment, this ability to make choices, lies at the very core of our essence.

For those who grapple with the concept of God in the face of pervasive evil, let us consider the notion of free will. It is a divine gift bestowed upon us—a gift that empowers us to make authentic choices, ones that resonate with how we choose to live. This free will, while often harnessed for good, can, at times, be wielded for horrific acts.

Some may wander down the path of a post-modernistic worldview, one that disavows the presence of a higher power, and in doing so, they may struggle to grasp the intricacies of this divine gift. In the absence of a guiding force, the gravity of free will can be a daunting and perplexing concept to grasp. Yet, it is precisely in our ability to choose that we find both our greatest strength and our greatest weakness.

Our daily choices define us. We shape our destiny, leaving a legacy that mirrors our character. Hence, we are faced with a dichotomy: we may embrace goodness in truth or be engulfed by evil’s malevolence.

But while we may acknowledge evil's existence, we do not succumb to its power, but rather, we rise above it, armed with the power to choose the path of righteousness.

Defend and Promote the Traditional Family Unit

The traditional family unit, consisting of a married man and woman raising their children, generally provides a nurturing environment for kids to grow up with strong moral values. This doesn't mean that single-parent households can't raise great individuals; however, having both parents present often enhances a child's well-being, especially if the father is present. The presence of a loving and protective father can deter potential harm to their children, including sexual predators who fear a strong male presence.

Now, it may be said that "Evil does not care about a traditional family unit." Yes, but, one of the values gained from having a father in the household is the reduced likelihood of evil being perpetrated upon his family. One of the many tactics employed by the military and law enforcement community in deterring violence is presence. The chances of an enemy or a potential perpetrator committing a violent act significantly decreases if they perceive a threat that matches or surpasses theirs. To clarify, women are more than capable of defending their families against criminals. However, men pose a greater threat merely because of their physical presence. Men tend to display protective behaviors more aggressively, especially when defending those they love, even to the point of death. Fathers, especially those with daughters, present a formidable threat to potential sexual predators who are cowardly well aware of it.

Be Vigilant of Local, State, and Federal Officials

Understandably, the ugliness of politics turns people off. Many people don't care about who said or did what, or who runs for local, state, or federal office. However, ironically, these same individuals who claim not to care about politics are often the first ones to have strong opinions about policies they disagree with—particularly when their interests are affected.

Politics, like any human-created system, will always have its flaws. The extent to which these flaws impact the masses depends on how well citizens are aware of laws and policies and willing to stand against those that do not align with their values. Laws and policies affecting children should naturally grab the attention of parents.

Currently, there is legislation that takes away parents' authority to disagree with their child's decision to identify or transition to another gender; and it even threatens them with charges of child abuse for doing so. I wonder how many of these parents maintained an attitude of indifference toward politics. These types of laws and policies were developed and pushed through the legislative system by officials those parents probably voted for.

Therefore, being "involved" in politics does not require you to become a political expert. Being aware of its fundamental purpose and acting upon it is enough. Our political system is based on a constitutional republic, which many Americans forget is the actual type of government on which our nation was founded. The fundamental principle of our Constitution is to limit the power the government can have, deriving it only from the consent of its citizens. Through this system, representatives are elected to uphold the Constitution and reflect the values of it in Congress.

Any elected official not representative of values that defend the innocence and life of children should be removed from office. This can only happen if we are aware of our political system and the values it was created to preserve.

Now, then,...

...since we’ve come to an awareness of the harsh reality of child sexual exploitation and the darkness it brings, let us become a shield against the harm threatening our kids. The traditional family unit, with its divine appointment and protective role, furthers this calling. By staying aware of the laws that affect our children and being active in politics, we can help ensure their lives are safeguarded. It's up to all of us, no matter our beliefs or experience, to stand together and protect the vulnerable. Let's unite with truth and justice as our guide, and light up the future with hope for these little ones.

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11, NIV)