WHAT TIME IS IT? - Part 3
The slogan heard regularly for our nation is “God bless America.” It
is on television, radio, on billboards, car bumpers, store fronts, to name but a
few. But can we as a nation expect God’s blessings when our moral makeup
is what it is? What can we do? First, we can stand up against the prevailing
attitude toward
immorality. If Christians stop watching television programs which portray
immoral behavior as normal and acceptable the message will be heard. The
same is true of movies which we may see in the movie theater or rent for viewing
at home. “But what will we do for entertainment?” you ask? Have
more family time, read more books, study the Bible more, visit friends and
church members more . . .
Second, stand up for life. The movement of death for convenience is
growing in our country. When abortion was first introduced it was not as a
means of birth control it proponents said. Now the truth is seen in the
practice of abortion for birth control, the elimination of an “unwanted”
pregnancy. But abortion was the first step in the death for
convenience movement. Now that abortion is firmly established as a
“right of choice” the next step comes, “death with dignity.”
The death with dignity movement is the right to die when and how one chooses.
Presently the movement advocates the right for terminally ill patients to decide
when and how to end their lives before becoming a burden on family, friends and
society. Once this practice is established as a “right,” how long
before it becomes the responsibility of people to die? A responsibility
that others determine when it is time to exercise?
Third, we need to emphasize the sanctity of marriage. The attitude of
society is demonstrated in the “no fault” divorce laws on the books in most
states. The family is the foundation of the nation. God designed
marriage between one man and one women for one lifetime. Traditional
marriage vows included the words “till death.” Men and women entering into
marriage need to understand that is the commitment God expects from them. If
that is a scary thought, it should be! Marriage is serious. We
should not shun those who are divorced, but we must emphasize the importance of
the marriage commitment. It is time to begin teaching our children at an
early age the permanence of marriage. Teach them what character qualities
to look for and avoid in their future mates.
—Denton Landon