Crime Begins Within

The Bible puts the focus on the inner person, not on his circumstances. Says James 1:14, 15: "Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin." When a person thinks bad thoughts, he nurtures wrong desires. These, in turn, may lead to harmful acts. For example, a casual interest in pornography may develop into an obsession with sex that impels a person eventually to act on his fantasies, perhaps in a criminal way.

Another factor to take into account is the world's focus on self, money, pleasures and gratification. Concerning our time the Bible foretold: "In the last days . . ., men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, . . .fierce, without love of goodness, and [and] lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God." (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Sadly, by way of movies, video games, literature and bad role models, the world promotes such traits, which only foster crime. Individually, though, people need not succumb to these influences. In fact, some who at one time did succumb have completely changed in their outlook and way of life.

Next time: People Can Change

Awake! 2008