INTIMIDATION (BULLYING)

From My Perspective - - -

In my latest book, Amid The Cultural Chaos – Are We Casualties Or Conquerors?, Chapter 9 is entitled: Dealing With Intimidation (Bullying). The Chapter begins with these thoughts: “The intimidation tactic has been employed for a very long time. It is not limited to one person to another person situation but includes nations as well. Since World War 1, the United States and the overwhelming number of nations signed an agreement that indicated that any use of Chemical Weapons is prohibited. For almost one-hundred years, most of the nations have upheld that agreement (only Germany in World War 2, Iraq, and Syria has been in violation of the agreement).

As one looks back at Biblical events and history, while the weaponry and strategy was different, the objective then was the same as any objective now. The basic idea is to impose one’s will and objectives upon others with a superior force or weaponry being the intimidation tactic that brings about a desired result. One of the miscalculations then and now is the God factor. Which God is being acknowledged and served? Which God exercises control over the world He created? One must believe there is a living God Who is in control of His universe at all times. At the end of the Chapter are Questions for Thought and Reflection. Among them are: (1) In your decision-making process, what are some of the key things you consider and utilize as a priority? (2) At times when you are challenged by ‘group-think’ (a form of peer pressure), do you allow that to (a) influence or (b) intimidate you? Are you easily bullied? (3) If in the providence of God, we were living in an enemy-occupied area, how would you practice your faith/religion?  Some ancillary questions to include in your response: (a) would you attend a secret prayer and Bible Study Group? (b) Would you host one in your home? (c) What would you do with your Bible? (4) If someone attempted to (a) intimidate (bully) you and (b) mock and deride the Lord your God, what are the first things you would do (or not do)?

The personality and manner of a Bully is: “a blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people.” The objective of Intimidation is: “to make one timid, or filled with fear; to overawe as through the force of personality or by superior display of wealth, talent, etc.” Some of the Synonyms for Bullying are: “browbeat, coerce, terrorize, and tyrannize.” The Synonyms for Intimidation are: “frighten, daunt, terrify, discourage.” At some point in one’s life, there has been contact with or observation of a person who is a Bully – the one who exercises his will over that of others. Because of the manner of this type individual, those exposed to the Bully Behavior allow themselves to be intimidated by him/her. One may not agree with the Bully but fails to resist or confront the Bully because of some unknown repercussion that might occur. An individual will allow himself/herself to retreat into a type of cocoon and absorb the words and actions of the Bully/Intimidator thinking that by doing so they will be able to achieve peace at any cost. However – freedom and peace is not the result – whereas enslavement and greater anguish becomes the reality and experience.

There is a personal and purposeful statement in Ephesians 6:13 “take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” How do you define the day in which we live? What kind of stand do you take about anything that is contrary to the moral values of Scripture? The list could be long regarding the evils that are transpiring in our day: (1) The continuation and support of Abortion on demand; (2) The legalization of same-gender marriage; (3) The legalization of marijuana; (4) The increased restriction of one’s Freedom and Liberties; (5) The loss of Will in terms of contending for righteousness and a righteous cause. The adage is apt for our day: “If you stand for nothing you will fall for everything.” Be reminded of the words in Proverbs 24:8-12, “Whoever plans to do evil will be called a schemer. The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind. If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say: Behold, we did not know this, does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will He not repay man according to his work?” Be involved and take a stand for Biblical values. Consider these things with me.