Carried Away

I'm currently in the Book of Jeremiah in the Bible reading plan I'm following this year. Reading of Judah and their captivity in Babylon my heart sunk at the thought of innocent children being carried away. I pause in prayer. A prayer for the children of our nation. That they might not be held captive. Held captive -- spiritually, mentally, emotionally -- by hollow trappings of this world that masquerade as glitz and glam. Held captive by the darkness of evil. Especially darkness of a sin not their own. A prayer they won't become shackled by drug dealers, porn peddlers, hype mongers. In the course of time becoming trapped by want for more. Followed by debtors. Or tirelessly serving master idols of fame, power, and wealth.

I think of the innocence and purity of my two. It would be ignorant to believe that there are those younger that haven't already been exposed. (I loathe that word!). Exposed to harmful influences that can't be undone. Exposed to those things that would capture their hearts. Hold it tight in destructive grasp. Greedy to feast upon their very souls. Snagged by the very bogey-monster their young fears imagine. Darkness crashing in when fairy tales should still be dancing in their heads.

Exploited. (Another detestable word!) The numbers of children exploited daily an absolute horror. Even in civil, developed neighborhoods of comfort. In their very own homes they are surrounded by images and messages that tempt them away from a godly way of living. They are assaulted on every side by would-be captors. Attempting to capture their attention, hold them mesmerized and distracted. Leading them astray then binding them with guilt and shame.

We must extol the real value of holiness. The pleasure and freedom that lies within its borders. Teach them the joys of purity and that choosing freedom over weighty snares, while difficult, is worth fighting for. It is a continual battle to counter lies with truth of the blessedness of living counter-culturally. But fight we must.

I once lived in the dark, dreary cell of must-have. Caught up in the belief that chasing after worldliness brought happiness -- only to find it led me further away from our Shepherd's still waters. I have seen ugly places and lived bound by the snares of sin. They're not pleasant, child-friendly places for one's heart to live.

Prayer to the Omnipotent God to empower parents brings comfort and hope. We need not live in fear but full of faith and action. Informed and aware of the dangers with a determination to keep captors at bay. Pray our kids are carried away by none other than the Spirit.


Father; May we endeavor to teach of the trappings of this world. Remove the veil that blinds us to truth. To see the real danger hidden beneath the hype. Protect our children from being exposed and exploited. Grant us the endurance to remain vigilant in watchfulness, steadfast and consistent in guarding those You have entrusted into our care. In the Name of our Lord, Jesus. Amen.