It
has been quite some time since I have taken the time to blog. Seminary seems to have a knack for taking my
time away from blogging as research papers and exegetical projects take top
priority.
And
I must admit, for my return to blogging I have chosen a topic that will
probably draw many criticisms and disagreements. But that’s ok.
I
have noticed a growing trend among the students to whom I minister; a growing
desire to pull pranks on one another. Ranging from the “classic” saran wrap on
the toilet to the now popular vegetable oil on the tailpipe, these pranks are
growing more and more outlandish and are occurring more frequently. Allow me to say early on that I do not like
pranks: never have and never will. I
have at times pulled pranks and regret many of those.
I
further admit that as Student Pastors go, I am an “old man” and way more boring
that most Student Pastors around the state . . . and this could influence my
“grouchy” opinion about pranks. If you do
a Google search you can actually find Student Ministry Sites on the web that
tell you how to prank each other . . . even giving tips to Youth Ministers on
how to prank their kids. So I know full well that I am in a minority here.
So,
why do I feel this way?
1)
Pranks are a distraction. I cannot begin to count how many times at a
camp, retreat, dnow, or weekly service that the Holy Spirit has moved in a
mighty way only to later have someone pull a prank that takes all of the attention
away from God and places it on the “prankster” and “prankee.”
2)
Pranks can be emotionally damaging. My teenage years were very difficult for
me. I had great friends and have
wonderful memories of my teen years.
However, there was a constant hidden battle with depression, anxiety,
and self-esteem issues that were only heightened when a prank was pulled on
me. Why?
Well just think about the windshield on your car for a moment. When you bought your car it was strong,
solid, and secure until one day a small rock flew up and made a peck in the
windshield. No big deal right? Until
that peck begins to spread into a large crack, and then that crack feathers out
and the windshield becomes very fragile.
Eventually it could even fall completely apart. Emotionally, we are no different. Teenagers are already struggling enough with
their emotions and self-esteem. Many of
their emotions are already beyond “cracked” and a prank can be what pushes them
over the edge. ESPECIALLY when that
prank is pulled by a Christian brother or sister they trusted.
3)
Pranks only escalate in nature. Human nature is to “one-up” each other.
Therefore, if you put vegetable oil on my tailpipe I am obligated by society to
do that to you AND put Oreo cookies on your windshield. It is then probable that you would retaliate
with bugs in the cab, dead fish under the seats, and/or more. Eventually, these games can escalate into
pure vandalism.
4)
Pranks do not model Christ and His Word. This is the primary reason I dislike pranks.
I personally feel that they do not follow along with the Word of God. Jesus made it plain and clear throughout His
ministry that “whoever
wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to
be first among you shall be your slave.”
The model that Christ gives us is to lift others up, not tear
them down. Although most young people
(and probably most adults who are way more fun than me) would say that pranks
are not actually tearing people down; I believe that they can. Granted, not all pranks are damaging; however,
can we ever really know for sure. Almost
no one knows what goes on in my head and in my heart and I would imagine it
could be the same for those who have been pranked. They cannot act hurt because that may only
lead to worse pranking and/or bullying. So
what if we assume that the prank could be emotionally hurtful and just avoid it
all together. Christ teaches us to serve
and to build up. To lay down our lives
for the sake of the Kingdom and for others.
Most often, pranks are destructive rather than constructive.
Ultimately
pranking is about making you feel good about yourself and getting a good laugh
for you and your friends. Rarely if ever
does a prank build someone up or encourage them.
Think
about this for a moment: Do you remember
the story in the Gospels where Jesus stole Peter’s sandals and hid them from
him and made him walk barefooted all day?
And what about the time where Paul replaced Timothy’s water with vinegar
without Timothy knowing? WHAT? YOU DON’T REMEMBER THOSE STORIES? That’s right!!! Because there are no stories
like that. I would guarantee that Jesus
and the Disciples laughed and had fun together but I feel extremely confident
in saying that it never occurred at the expense of someone else.
So I
would say to all of us . . . think before your prank. If we were as creative in coming up with ways
to encourage others and to serve others as we are at messing with people and
their stuff, we might make a major difference in this world. So let’s give it a shot!
