CHMN_301___Disturbing_Behavior_Paper.docx-1.pdf.pdf

Liberty University

Disturbing Behavior Paper

Dr. Steve Vandegriff

CHMN 301

Description:

Being involved in student ministry for half a decade I have gained a greater perspective

on what it takes to mature and the steps one takes to get there. In between each step I have seen

so much grit that has been scrubbed out of these adolescents’ lives. The process of purification, I

blood. Our struggle is ultimately a spiritual one and has everything to do with sin that has clung

so closely to us.

Examples:

So, what are these “disturbing behaviors”? While we can throw out many different toxic

behaviors, it is best to focus in on to the two that are most prevalent in the lives of teenagers

today. These behaviors are: destructiveness and objectification. The two in personal experience

are behaviors that are hard to combat and can have long term affects not only to the adolescent,

but others around them.

Destructiveness can manifest itself verbally as well as physically. More often than not

this behavior is seen categorized under bullying. When a student acts alone or with a group to

them to cross emotional boundaries with others. Perhaps they use these memes to tease someone

for their looks, for their relationships (or lack thereof), as well as their home situations. Some

students find this funny, however, I have seen the negative effects this has on a community. The

emotional and physical isolation due to the destructive power of a “joke” is heavy.

The behavior of objectification has been given spotlight in recent social reforms aimed

predominately at men who have been seen degrading women to the status of an object. This

behavior is so toxic and has seeped over not only in how men perceive women, but how women

perceive themselves. I have time and time again heard stories from my shepherd peers that their

girl students are struggling with body image and the pressure to please their high school

boyfriends. It is a tragedy that today girls can’t be girls they feel the need to be women in every

doesn’t require a crystal ball it only involves you. As a leader, a parent, a teacher, or whatever

your relationship is with any adolescent is one of influence. Who you are will influence the way

a teenager might shape their life. It is this thought alone that should make a person hold

themselves accountable to a higher degree. The big question we need to ask ourselves is, what do

we need to be doing to be a better role model?

Biblical Response:

The big question we need to ask ourselves is, what do we need to be doing to be a better

role model? The Bible is first and foremost God’s word, in scripture it says that, “All Scripture is

God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so

commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” God’s design for humanity is communal

love, but sin has crept its way into all aspects of our lives and distorted the way we interact with

God’s world. We were never meant to break one another down, but instead build another up. In

fact, loving others well is a commandment. The biblical response to destructive behavior is love.

We as leaders need to embody this commandment to those we influence.

Because of the curse of sin, there is a huge chasm between us and the life God intended.

Objectification is another example of how deeply sin has imbedded itself in us. Jesus in his

earthly ministry rebuked this behavior. He says in the book of Matthew, “But I say to you

that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her

in his heart.” (5:28 ESV) It is clear that this behavior is not of God and only brings darkness into

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on

earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all

nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the

Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And