For people in my age group, seeing the drastic changes that have taken place in our nation since we were children is a troubling experience, and not always easy to deal with. Being concerned about the future welfare of our children, grandchildren, etc. we tend to get very emotional about things that affect it– so much so that we often make some mistakes. Sometimes we speak without thinking, imagine things that aren’t true, attack without provocation, respond without grace–and the list goes on and on. The point is that in our zeal to promote what we feel is best and prevent what we believe is bad, we sometimes act out of character and behave in unchristian ways. In doing so we can often do more damage than that which we are trying to prevent. Having been guilty of this myself I’m asking you to pray for me that I might maintain a Christ-like spirit at all times.
As bad as things are, we have a great opportunity to show our children how to deal with our differences. I’m not saying we should compromise our convictions or acquiesce to those who are clearly wrong. I’m simply saying we should at all time conduct ourselves as “ an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.“(1 Tim. 4:12). Perhaps a study of Prov. 26:4-5 might even help. Being right doesn’t give us the right to be rude! As my dear friend Matt says, “I’m working on it”– Think about it!
