The United States of America is changing. This is not breaking news. This change began years ago with the start of the grand experiment. Every few years we as a nation evaluate our leadership and make changes. In my half-century I can say that I have both liked and disliked these changes.

There are policies, laws, attitudes, and actions displayed in this country that I do not like. People, towns, cities, counties, and states all across this great nation do things and promote things that I find offensive and often immoral. (No, I am not going to list them.) There are times when I am so disappointed in my fellow man, my fellow countrymen, that I wish I could  . . . well that won’t happen so I will just stop even wishing. I get frustrated.

Allow me to give you an example or two.  I am frustrated and disappointed at the so-called protests that are turning into riots and looting festivals. I understand the need and freedom to speak out. But there is a difference in what I see being reported and free speech. I spent the last eight years disappointed by conservatives who would not let go of their constant opposition to President Obama, I saw and heard so many conservative say they “opposed Obama on everything.” Why? What if his idea happened to be a good one?

The restrictions of time and space for this post will not allow me discuss all the dangers associated with the moral decline in America. Things that our parents and grandparents blushed about are now out in the open. Things once reserved for dark alleys are now accessible to us on our phones, tablets, computers,  and TVs for instant access.

America needs to change. Americans need to change. And that change, starts here and now. That change starts with me.

Change starts with me!

Jesus reminds me of this truth in the Sermon on the Mount, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother ‘s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘ Let me take the speck out of your eye, ‘ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’ s eye.” (Mat 7:3-5).

He also tells me (and you) that we are to be the palatable and enlightening influence in our world, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people ‘s feet.
” You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Mat 5:13-16)

Take a look into the mirror of His word and make the changes you can make. Changes in you! (Jas 1:22-25)

-Scott

Bonus Video. I cannot help but think of this song from the late ’80s: