The riots in LA over immigration seem to be just one more liberal convulsion in an age of liberal convulsions. They loot, riot, and burn down cities every time they’re unhappy. It’s easy to just grow tired of the rioting and unthinkingly let them cry it out. Or bring in the National Guard and Marines to relegate their fit to their bedrooms so they can cry it out without an audience.
The riots themselves aren’t worth a lot of brain power. People crossed the border illegally, remained in America illegally, and are being removed according to the law of the land. It’s simple. But the angry response didn’t come from out of nowhere. And that is worth thinking about.
Immigration Laws
Trump did not create any new immigration laws. Neither did Congress. The only real difference is that Trump gave the order to enforce the laws on the books.
Now, there are discussions to be had about methods. But the reality is that ICE is carrying out the laws passed by Congress.
But here’s where things get interesting. Carrying out the law did cause the convulsion. And it caused the convulsion for the same reason your child throws a fit when you finally decide to discipline them. There was inconsistency and they didn’t actually know where the boundaries were.
Consistency is Key
Millions of illegal immigrants came to America during the Biden administration. Most of them were just allowed to come and stay. And many of them were bussed or flown to destinations within the US at tax payer expense. And suddenly, that ended.
Now, let’s do a thought experiment.
What do you think would’ve happened if every president had been enforcing the laws on the books with regard to immigration?
Would there be convulsions today over it?
Would there be a temper tantrum on the streets of LA?
Obviously not. Consistent application of the law would have avoided this mess. And because of the situation we found ourselves in, anyone that decided to fix it would be met with a meltdown.
And one of the things that happened this year is that the President decided that he was okay with the tantrum.
It’s The Same With Your Kids
This is an observation from my time as a parent. It’s the same with your children. This is part of Parenting 101. Consistency is key.
If I discipline my child one time for back talk and allow it to happen every other time, then I will likely receive a convulsive fit. It is the same sort of fit found in LA. Now, the child is paid to throw a fit, or given equipment to help them break more stuff or people. They are also not committing criminal acts, but the same reaction takes place.
But if I discipline this behavior every time I see it, then it is expected. It doesn’t mean things are always easy. That’s certainly not the case, but it doesn’t give the type of unthinking inconsistency that provokes our children (Ephesians 6:4).
What If I’ve Let Behaviors Slide?
Stop it! If you’ve overlooked bad behaviors for a while, then you need to cut that out.
But be ready. The convulsion is coming.
This is one of the interesting takeaways from this moment. You can endure the short term convulsion to get to the right destination.
Yes! It’s going to be difficult.
But what’s the alternative?
The alternative is that you don’t live your child and don’t care enough to bring them up in the way they should go. The alternative is that you allow their character to be bad, they dishonor your family, and if you’re a Christian they bring dishonor to Christ.
The current administration decided it was worth it to endure the fits of rage. You should too.
“Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.”
Proverbs 19:18 ESV
R. Dwain Minor
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