In certain cases when people resort to
violence it means they have nothing of value to offer. When we see so much
violence in our nation in matters that are political and social (and even,
religious), that is exactly the case!
One should expect people on either (or any)
side of an issue to take a strong stand and uphold his or her viewpoint. One
should be able to elucidate clearly his position and give logical reasons for
it. But, when one starts name-calling, cursing, and striking out in violence,
one has lost the battle and has nothing of value to offer as a solution or
answer. When one reaches that point, he needs to take a step back and look at
his position to see if it has worth, or if it is valid. One just might be
wrong.
Our nation is being ripped apart by
extremism (radicalism) in most all areas of life. The Secular Humanists
(atheists) have taught that each person is his (or her) own god, and each one
is right because there is no objective truth or right; do as you wish; no one
can tell you what is right or wrong. When people have no answer, they turn to
violence as their answer. That foments chaos and does no good to, or for,
anyone. Society is then ripe for anarchy and revolution. It seems we may have
reached that point our nation’s history. “Woe to those who call evil good, and
good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter
for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20).
There must be laws and those laws must be
enforced. Those who violate the laws must be punished. Law must be respected
and obeyed by all, both citizen and non-citizen (Romans 13:1-7). Everyone is
not always right. Some people are wrong. Some people seem to lack the ability
to think logically and draw conclusions based on evidence. Many live on emotion
alone. Many are filled with hatred so deep that they seek to do away with those
who oppose, or disagree, with them. America has, indeed, been “dumbed down.”
There is a perfect, objective standard that
is right and cannot be wrong. It is God’s standard of truth—His divine word,
the Bible—specifically, the New Testament (John 17:17; John 8:32; 2 Timothy
3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3-4). Using this standard of truth as the basis for all
conduct and thinking, mankind may elevate himself to a level where he respects
and, yes, even loves, his fellowman (Luke 10:27). This nation, and the world,
needs to recognize and respect the love of God and the law of God. We need to
demonstrate God’s sacrificial love to one another. We need God’s standard of
morality and His high code of conduct and respect for one another that we
should treat others as we would wish to be treated (Matthew 7:12). To follow that
high moral code would go a long way toward healing wounds, saving lives,
bringing order out of chaos, lowering crime, and saving souls.
Many years ago, someone wrote, “A Better
World Begins With Me!” The only way things will improve is if each person begins
to realize this truth, then set about to help it happen.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are
true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are
pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there
is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do,
and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).
