Who Would You Blame?
Read this little bit of fiction (or is it?)
When he was a baby, they were so proud to take him to worship. Everyone “oohed and aahed” and played "kitcky-koo." They never missed a service at church.
As a little boy, they taught him to behave during worship. They helped him regularly with his Bible class lessons. When he turned eight, things changed a little. His father took a job that meant lots of extra money for the family, but less time for worship.
His father always insisted on his going to Bible classes and worship with his mother. His son had to learn to love the Lord and hopefully would obey the gospel and be a fine Christian. But the father found it increasingly difficult to go with his family.
At eleven, the father thought it was time for his son to be a great athlete and so introduced him to all the little leagues in football, basketball, and baseball. The boy did so well in sports that sometimes he had to play in a game or practice on Wednesday nights. Naturally, he needed to focus on athletics. He did.
When he became a teenager he began thinking that one day he too would be successful like Dad. He would bring home lots of money, drive fine cars, and dress in expensive clothes. He learned by observation how important these things were to his father. At fifteen, he still had not obeyed the gospel.
By and by his father received several promotions and raises. He became a chief executive in his firm. Attending services at church became less important than meetings with clients, associates, and other businessmen. Soon Sunday found him at 8 a.m. on the number one tee at the local country club. His son always wanted to go and, if nothing else, caddy for his Dad. He really admired his father. By now his interest in Bible study was zero. He found excuse after excuse not to attend worship.
Mother also felt the pressures of her husband's new responsibilities. There were parties to attend -- and organize. There were social clubs she was expected to join. She found that she actually enjoyed all of this immensely. She had important friends and was very popular in society. She also found less and less time to worship. She had turned down the opportunity to teach a class of children -- no telling how many times.
At eighteen he entered college. He never attended another worship. He never obeyed the gospel. One night during a frat party he took a "chug-a-lug" dare and became exceedingly drunk.
The story in the local newspaper began with, "A tragic accident involving several young people took the life of a prominent businessman’s ..." It was a sad funeral. Family and friends from all over attended. One person pondered thoughtfully why the boy never was saved. He wondered, “Who was to blame?”
