This is part 5/5 of "Not Too Late to Reach your Teens (Problems #1)." It provides an illustration of delinquent youths from the scripture and enhances one's reflections in "Discovering the Root Problems" of "Regaining the Hearts of Your Teens."
Problems (Part 1): Family Problems | Solutions | Problem #1 | Problem #2 | Delinquency
Solutions (Part 2): Barriers | Let’s Solve it! | Confession | Steps of Love | New relationship
A Case Study on Delinquent Youth
2 Samuel 12- 18
The Bible has much to say on numerous matters including this topic of raising delinquent youths. David did not rightly treat his son Absalom.Two issues were at work. Absalom deeply resented David’s unwillingness to carry out justice when another son raped his half-sister (Absalom’s sister). There is no doubt that David’s fame further heated up this anger. David did not like people praising a Dad who really didn't deserve it. Absalom grew to despise his father and thought he could carry out justice better than David.A second problem seems to be that David was unwilling to restrain Absalom when he made wrong and inappropriate decisions that hurt others. He neglected discipline. Was it because of Absalom’s clever speech and handsome stature? We are not sure. But when Absalom’s half-sister was raped, King David stood by as a weak-willed father. Absalom’s hatred for his father grew as time went on.Many years later this would lead to a calculated plot to overthrow his father. What an irony! He couldn’t stand the father who so greatly loved him. How can a parent seem to love a child so much but then treat him so poorly?This is what happens with delinquents. They are not governed. It happened with David, and it can happen with us. Once standards are put aside because of favoritism or some unresolved personal problems (this was David’s guilt problem (2 Samuel 12)), then we too will mistreat our children and unknowingly lead them in the way of rebellion.“O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!If we are not careful, we will like David weep with for that wayward child, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 18:33). Things could have been so different!
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