Manipulated

Romans 8 begins with a passage that can challenge us to focus our minds on God's truth.  The first verse says:
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Later in the chapter, we can read:
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

It's so important that our minds are focused on the right things - the enemy of our souls would want to manipulate us, to get us off track in our pursuit of the Lord.  He will whisper in our consciousness and bombard us with lies that don't measure up to the truth of the Scriptures - that's why we have to grow in discernment, to know what is true and what is not.  And, we have to be aware he may even use people who will exploit, intentionally or unintentionally, our vulnerabilities.  God's Word and the power of His Spirit enable us to remain strong in the face of dangerous spiritual influences.

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We live in times that call for soundmindedness.  There are influences that abound in the culture, and we have to make sure that we are strong and shield ourselves from vulnerability to manipulation.  1st
Peter 1 says:
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;
15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct...

Some might say the punishment doesn't fit the crime; others might think it takes the series of events that resulted in the termination of the life of a teenager seriously.  Say what you will, but the shocking verdict in the case of a now-20-year-old woman has generated quite a bit of coverage.

Here's the backstory.  Michelle Carter was 17 years old when, according to Fox News, she was apparently involved in persuading her 18-year-old boyfriend Conrad Roy to commit suicide. She was communicating with him through texts and phone calls as he died when "his pickup truck filled with carbon monoxide in a store parking lot in Fairhaven, Massachusetts."

One of Carter's text messages, according to the story, was: "I thought you wanted to do this. The time is right and you're ready, you just need to do it!"

The day of his suicide, she wrote: "You can't think about it. You just have to do it. You said you were gonna do it. Like I don't get why you aren't."

Carter was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter on Friday, and a sentencing hearing has been set for August 3. She faces the possibility of probation and up to 20 years in prison.

The Fox News story states:

Prosecutors said that in addition to bombarding Roy with text messages, Carter also gave Roy advice when he got out of the truck as he was inhaling the gas and told her he was scared. "Get back in," she told him, according to a friend who testified Carter described the conversation in a text message to her about a month after Roy died.

Carter’s lawyer, Joseph Cataldo, argued that Roy had a history of depression and suicide attempts, and was determined to take his life. He said Carter initially tried to talk Roy out of it and urged him to get professional help, but eventually went along with his plan. He also said Carter’s text messages were a form of protected free speech.

A psychiatrist testifying for the defense described Michelle as "troubled" and said she suffered from depression.  The antidepressant she was taking affects empathy and decision-making, according to the doctor.

During the trial, there were texts read that show that Carter did apparently feel some guilt.  She texted a school friend two months after Roy's death: "It’s my fault,” adding, "I could have stopped him but I told him to get back in the car.”  She texted another friend: “I was talking on the phone with him when he killed himself... I heard him die..."  She also texted to another: "I’m the only one he told things too. I should have gotten him more help,” she wrote.

There are several areas that can be discussed as the result of this tragic story:  one is just the rise of teen suicide in our nation, another is the power of suggestion and manipulation.

Fox News reports that a study released a few weeks ago by a Vanderbilt professor, presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting, showed that at 32 U.S. children's hospitals between 2008-2015, there were more than 118,000 hospital visits in which young people ages 5-17 were admitted "with thoughts of suicide or self-harm."

The study author notes that these results are consistent with statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

According to a brief compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics, cases of suicide not only increased among adolescents and young adults from 1999-2014, but it was among the leading causes of death for those age groups. The CDC suggests suicide is the third leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 10 and 24.

Even though the death of Conrad Roy occurred several years ago, there is a fresh emphasis on teen suicide, especially in light of the Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why.  A U.S. News and World Report piece quotes from a briefing by the National Association of School Psychologists which was published for teachers. It said, "Producers for the show say they hope the series can help those who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide,” adding, “However, the series, which many teenagers are binge watching without adult guidance and support, is raising concerns from suicide prevention experts about the potential risks posed by the sensationalized treatment of youth suicide. The series graphically depicts a suicide death and addresses in wrenching detail a number of difficult topics..."

I talk often about the power of suggestion.  And, apparently, Michelle had some sort of unhealthy influence over this young man, Conrad.  Through texts and phone calls, she manipulated him to end his life and is being held accountable for it.  We have to make sure that we are discerning about the people whom we allow to influence us.  There are toxic and harmful people who, if allowed to have their way, can lead us to destruction.  Young people are especially vulnerable to peers that do not have their best interest in mind.

We also have to make sure that our minds are sharp.  Apparently, both these young people had serious issues that resulted in creating atmosphere for Roy to take his life and for Michelle to encourage him to do that.  In this case, incorrect thinking led to destructive action. The principles of Scripture are powerful to help us renew and revitalize our minds.  We have to put into practice correct and beneficial thought patterns.

Finally, we need to be aware when people, especially young people, around us are hurting. Focus on the Family, on its ministry website, has a section about Teens and Suicide.  It states:

Not every depressed or suicidal person displays obvious signs, which include withdrawal from family or friends, destructive behavior, mood swings or poor eating and sleeping habits. Yet recent studies show that 15 percent of high school students report thoughts of suicide; 11 percent plan to attempt suicide; 7 percent have attempted it in the past year.

And, it stresses the importance of hope:

Teens desperately need to know they matter, especially to their parents. Assure your adolescent that he is of immeasurable value to you and your family. Look beyond his imperfect exterior to see the qualities that you admire. Create opportunities to tell your teen that you believe in him, God has a plan for his life and he is capable of contributing to the world. Seize every opportunity to show him that he is loved unconditionally, and encourage him to simply live one day at a time.

Above all, pray! Remember that God loves your teen even more than you do. He wants to provide wisdom to help your teen, and He wants to restore joy in the heart of your teen.