America is the land of milk and honey for passivism. I can become a conscientious objector and insist on refusing to serve in the military or to work on days that conflict with my religion. Suppose we were all passive? Would we enjoy the freedom and protections that we have? Would we have an army or a law-enforcement agency to defend us? We forget that we enjoy a good life because others have laid down their lives for a place such as ours. We definitely forget that principles of value require human sacrifices. Much blood was shed to establish this country and much more to sustain the union and still more to protect our human rights. Where else can we believe and say what we please without any reprisals?

“Nature shall take care of itself,” is a philosophy that many ascribe to. Nature is self-creating and no one can resist it. Man too is a product of nature. Just how profound is the call of nature? In Poland, my parents had a garden that made the provincial papers. My wife and I purchased a woody place that was like a jungle. My brother came to visit and within a month he had cleared passages for walks. Less than a year later, the jungle returned. I made the mistake of trusting nature to keep the walks open. I lived in a dorm while I attended school. A young person was brought in that had not been exposed to city living, and he proved to be an embarrassment.

How low have we fallen in our modern advanced culture? Is
there anything lower than having disrespect for our president? It is even more
appalling when the disrespect comes from elected leaders? Foul language and
four letter words have become an acceptable way to win elections. It is
disturbing that large numbers in our USA approve of such demeaning behavior. It
is more disturbing that the larger silent majority allows it to happen. I, who
know better and do not do it, am guilty as well (Jam.4:17).

I was brought up with this principle, “What a person sows
that shall he or she also reap” (Gal.6:7). I remember a fifteen year old
calling his father “dumb.” I was present when his son called him worse than
being “dumb.” “The Lord your God has commanded you: Honor your father and your
mother, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land
that the Lord your God is giving you” (Deut.5:16). Respect begins at home and
in school. King David wrote, “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you
the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good
days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies”

Christ, what role does he play in my life? I am human and prone to err. I am and shall be held accountable for my mistakes, both in the here and now and in the hereafter. And I have nothing that can appease a just and holy God. Therefore I need Christ to defend me and atone for my failures. He alone was sinless and worthy in the eyes of God. And what does He expect in return from me? He expects that I amend my ways and follow Him as much as it is humanly possible. He provides no free ride or an easy road but at times a cross. No one can serve two masters in this world.