By Dan C. Bailey Last week I stopped at a
three-way stop at about the same time as two other cars. I waited for them to go and before I could
enter the intersection, two other cars ran the two stop signs. This was new to me. On many occasions, people have run a stop
sign at this particular intersection, but never, until last week, did two
people run through the intersection unlawfully at the same time. It made me think about our society. Evidently this type of unlawful activity is
becoming popular. May I suggest some
reasons why this is probably the case? 1.
People have a lack of respect for the law and for authority. Their motto seems to be: "If I'm not caught then who
cares." Of course such an attitude
toward unlawful activity is a violation of the word of God. Peter said, "Submit yourselves to every
ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or
unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of
evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well" (I Peter 2:13-14). 2.
People have a lack of respect for their fellowman. Jesus taught,
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye
even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12).
These same rude and inconsiderate people would get upset if someone did the
same thing to them. Or even more likely, they might have a wreck in the
intersection and possibly hurt someone. 3.
Many people are so selfish that they simply do whatever pleases
them. They are the standard and whatever benefits them is best! This is the
opposite attitude of a Christian. Paul said, "Let nothing be done through
strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than
themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the
things of others" (Phil. 2:3-4). 4.
Many people simply do not fear God. They are not concerned about
pleasing Him, and they have no desire to obey His commandments. How sad that
people are so selfish, so disrespectful, and so rebellious toward God and
toward authority, and toward their fellowman. May we always remember the
admonition of Solomon. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God
shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be
good, or whether it be evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Let us
always respect the law, respect our fellowman, and especially respect and
reverence the Almighty God. "And when Abram was ninety years old and nine,
the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk
before me, and be thou perfect" (Gen.17:1).
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