Gangsters

I know of an exclusive club that offers a lot of luxury and cash so you can party and get your swag on. It may even make you famous or popular. Then there is the sex. But before you get too excited about joining, take a look at the flip side. You run the risk of becoming a drug addict as well as a jailbird. Family and friends may disown you. You’re always surrounded by war and violence. There is loss of free will—and even worse—loss of life. You may gain a handful of perks for being a member, but you will lose twice as much in the long run.

Gangs. Are you a member?

Gangs are everywhere. They are in schools, in communities, and in prisons. Regardless of where they are, most gangs have one common element; at-risk teens. These are youths who grew up with missing fathers, negative role models, and or abuse of any kind—whether physical, emotional, or verbal. On the other hand, there are teens with low self-esteem who seek power through bullying. When there is no love, guidance, and support at home, then joining a gang is one attempt youths use to replace what’s missing. Most young adults become gang members in an effort to be accepted…to belong. They’ll do whatever it takes as a means of trying to fill that gap deep inside.

But may I suggest an alternative source that’s best for filling the empty space in your life. His name is Jesus. He can provide all those incentives you would get in a gang. He’ll give you commitment, loyalty, protection, respect, security, and support. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33) The bonus is you do not have to prove yourself to him through violent initiations. All it takes is for you to invite him into your heart.

Allow God to be your leader; his love is matchless. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Just put him in charge of your life and experience his peace. Find a Bible based church, and surround yourself with positive people who will love and accept you just the way you are. You’ll be adopted into a family that genuinely cares for your well-being. Communicate with God daily through prayer and by reading the Bible. As you get to know this awesome leader on a personal level, you’ll realize that the dark hole in your life is gradually getting smaller. But you don’t have to rely on my words; feel free to put him to the test yourself.