I don’t know about you, but I’m weary of these seemingly endless accusations of youthful indiscretions that are dominating the news, and so thankful that my current life is not based nor judged on some of the stupid things I said and did as a teenager. I believe in several concepts that negate the sins of my own youth: God forgives and forgets; when you know better, you do better; we all have the power to change our behavior. And of course the Bible says that anyone who is without sin is welcome to cast the first stone of punishment.
I’m not saying that anyone under 21 should get a free pass for sinful or illegal actions. Nor do I think that anyone is entitled to work in an occupation that is clearly at odds with a pattern of behavior that indicates that they are unsuited for it. I don’t think it would be a good idea to let someone with a history of DUI violations drive a school bus. Convicted sex offenders shouldn’t be teachers. Anyone who has a history of theft is probably not a good choice for a bank clerk. However, I also don’t think that some thoughtless action from our formative years should overshadow every good thing we’ve accomplished as an adult.
The foundation of our Christian faith and our legal system and our social structure is redemption and rehabilitation. Do we not believe in the power of God to convict a man’s heart and lead him on a better path? Do we not believe that time spent in prison will change a person’s future actions? Do we not believe that AA can transform lives? Don’t we tell people every day that they can give up drugs and go forward to live a better life? There has to be some balance between holding a person accountable for their actions and allowing them to move past their mistakes to become a better person. It’s time for understanding and wisdom, not just anger and allegations.
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