"Ken" on "Ministry Minutes" (c) Kendall Lyons, 2012
In order to properly continue the discussion of the topic of “Bullying” on Cartoon Daily News this week, I chose to share a message that I preached about a year ago.
It was not too long ago that I had the pleasure of being able to preach at the Oakcliff, Texas Baptist Ministers Union Revival during a weekend Youth Night service. My sermon topic was “How To Handle Your Bullies” and I gave at least three points as I preached out of 1 Samuel 17, the story of David and Goliath. The thoughts from the sermon were as follows:
1.) Know Your Identity
Often times, the one who is bullied will experience a low level of self-esteem and self-respect. Imagine, the kid who might not be the tallest, the smartest, the bravest, the most popular, the most liked and the list goes on. Even the bully is behaving like a “bully” for a reason! Often times its because they may think, without truly realizing it sometimes, that it gives them some kind of edge or power of that person. Bullies have an identity issue themselves too. They often desire respect, but lack the proper way of earning that respect. Those who are bullied, the victim, either responds in fear and desires not to tell anyone except someone they can trust or someone they are close too, or, try and take drastic and seriously consequential measures to deal with the bully themselves.
In 1 Samuel 17, David was just a boy who cared for his father’s sheep, but he knew of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He knew of the God that created all things. He knew of the God that created Him. His family gave him everything needed to have a basic and foundational standing of his identity. This becomes obvious when he later makes his way to the battlefield where his brothers are located and volunteers himself to fight against the giant, Goliath.
Know that God has equipped you with everything you need and that you have the resources to do what is necessary. If you are having issues with a bully, know you have adults and others in authority you can trust who will help with the situation.
Also, keep in mind that you might be a target for bullies simply because you are being exactly who you are supposed to be, YOURSELF! People get jealous. People get angry. People hate! Why, because you refuse to follow what’s popular, cool or trendy to everyone else!
2.) Know Your Purpose
You’re on a mission. Who has time to fight, fuss and argue with people over things that you’ll forget and things that don’t even matter. You were created for a purpose, on purpose! Bullies are, in a way, lacking in purpose and identity and the only way they know how to get what they think they want is to push others around. For those who are being bullied, know that you do not have to be a constant victim. Stand up and speak out! For those of you who have been bullied in the past, this is your chance to stand up and speak out. You may be the one that someone else is needing to hear. Fulfill your purpose in that brief moment of opportunity!
3.) Know The Lord
Certainly you saw this coming…after all, I am a minister! This article would not meet quality standards if I didn’t tell you that in a relationship with Christ, you indeed have victory! The bully and bullied can walk away from confrontation with one another and be at peace, knowing that they were created by a creator that knows them, loves them and wants them to be in a place in life that they have life more abundantly. Stop focusing on the problem, and start focusing on the solution! Hope is not lost!
God has blessed you with the people, the resources and the place to stop bullying, and, for that matter, to stop many things that are happening around you.
Will you speak up!?
Related articles
- Stop Bullying, Part 2: The Boy Who Was Bullied (cartoondailynews.com)
- Stop Bullying, Speak Up (Cartoon Network’s Stop The Bullying Campaign Site)
