JUVENILE DELINQUENT ELEPHANTS
Years ago, Sixty Minutes ran a segment concerning the slaughter of thirty-nine rare white rhinos at a South African wildlife preserve. The rhinos weren't killed by poachers, but by juvenile delinquents—teenaged elephants.
The story began a decade earlier, when a situation occurred, resulting in the deaths of a number of older elephants. This culminated in many younger elephants growing up fatherless.
In time, the younger elephants began roaming together in gangs and engaging in thug-like behavior. Their actions resembled neighborhood bullies, as they harassed other animals. Without dominant males, the young bulls became sexually active, producing excessive testosterone and exhibiting aggressive behavior. A few young males grew especially violent, knocking down rhinos and stomping on them, which crushed the life out of the unfortunate beasts. Mafuto, the gang leader, eventually had to be killed.
Putting their heads together, park rangers theorized that these teenaged elephants were acting badly because they lacked role models. They brought in a large male to lead the youngsters and counteract their oppressive behaviors. The new male quickly established dominance and put the young bulls in place. The killing stopped. The young males were mentored—and saved. (Source: PreachingToday.com)
If that's true of teen elephants, then it’s even more on-target for humans—young men especially. Ephesians 6:4 states, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Notice God doesn't issue this command to mothers, but places this task on the shoulders of fathers.
Like elephants, young men growing up fatherless end up in all sorts of trouble. Statistics consistently bear this out. Study after study demonstrate that the greatest common denominator among addicts, gang members, convicts, suicide victims, and the mentally ill is the absence of a male role model. It’s downright heartbreaking.
As dads, maybe we wonder if we’re really making a difference in our kids’ lives. Let me assure you. The greatest impact we can have on our world is modeling godly values for our children, grandchildren, and other youth we encounter. In many ways, we are the key to the future of our society.
God is calling us as men to step up. Our mission is monumental. Generations yet to come are counting on us. Need a reminder of this? Just take a trip to the zoo and watch the elephants.
Principle: The absence of male role models has a devastating effect on youth.
Ponder:
For men, how can we step up and be better role models?
How can all of us support single moms whose children need male father figures?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Proverbs chapter four.
Prayer: “Heavenly Father, looking at our world, we see so many issues. Please raise up men who can be role models for our youth.”
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