I hope this post rattles some minds to think....

 


What will it take before our world realizes that the current path we are on is the one to perdition? When wars, greed, and immorality have taken such a hold that soon, innocent people are dying, when the news is filled with nothing but sadness and despair...what will it take to bring it back?

Since the shooting at Columbine high school, there has more than 40 mass shootings at schools. There has been killings at malls, at movie theaters, random shootings at churches and other places of worship. Who do we blame? It's just too easy to blame the weapons of choice, but come on...those weapons just don't get up and walk! There has been a significant breakdown of morality, of empathy, of respect...replaced by a pervasive sense of disrespect, lust and greed. Lust for money, lust for power and control, lust for that wild fling that tears apart marriages and relationships. Porn is so rampant on the internet, you don't have to worry about your reputation if you are seen at a dirty book store, it's right there in your house!! For all ages to view! The fare that is shown at movie theaters and on TV isn't very conducive to warm, happy families either. No more Waltons, Cleavers or "Little House on the Prairie" stuff. Unless a woman is flashing a boob or a kid is badmouthing his parents, it's considered boring. Say WHAT?
People just don't think about outcomes anymore! Parents give their children every gadget known to humanity, grant their every wish, cater to their every whim and we wonder why young adults do what they do! What have you done to teach your children about RESPECT? about PATIENCE, as in, "not today, but we'll think on this, we'll work towards this goal and it will mean SO MUCH MORE!" about love for another who has less? Parents, wake up! When have you prayed with your child? Why do you permit your child to use rude and bad words? Is it cute when they just pipe up out of the blue and say the "F" word? When have you taken that kid by the hand and disciplined him or her? I tell you, if that child were a dog, that kid would be the terror of the neighborhood without knowing what the boundaries are! and yet, dogs are given so much more attention than a child.
You ask, where have we gone wrong? We have taken Christ out of Christmas, the Pledge of Allegiance out of schools, and taken apart religion so much that it has become more about controlling others and seeing who has more prestige rather than administering to the inner core of basic humanity; that is, satisfying a spiritual need that goes deeper than the latest fashion or gadget.

We fear offending someone else, but offending them of what? 

Do you believe in God? Then SAY SO! Want to wish someone "merry Christmas?" then do it! If you are moved at a ball game, STAND UP AND RECITE THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OR SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM! and take off that hat when the flag passes by! Show respect! Teach others what respect for country, self and others is all about! Offend someone? Do you ever think that maybe your actions, or lack of them, offend God? Maybe the Big Guy is the One you really need to be concerned about, Him as well as your kids and family. Because until we do...this world will collapse, much as did the past civilizations and empires of old: Roman, Greek, Egyptian...and on it goes.
Have I upset you yet? I cannot say I am a reverend if I don't rock your boat more than once. For me to be complacent means that I accept what is wrong. That makes me just as guilty as the offenders, if not more so. I am supposed to be "better than" that! I am supposed to be "the example!" So...just as Jesus upended the money changers in the Temple, so I must also upend your way of thinking.

Don't allow the recent tragedies in the news to become a past memory. Use them instead as lessons in the story of life. Make that change in the world NOW--TODAY! If you see something wrong, make it right. Speak up against injustice. If you want peace, work for it! Tell Evil to take a hike to hell, that you got this one...or as they say in the military, "I got your six!" I'm watching your back!
Well, friend...so do I! I got your six!"