I am now living in the 10th Presidential administration in my lifetime. I have not seen anything like this in all the previous years. Once upon a time there was an understanding in the country that the people in authority deserved respect for the position they held as leaders and protectors of our safety and well-being. The respect was unquestioned and the product of the long history of shared ideas and values. At the very core was the agreement that there is an absolute authority that has final say on all matters of morality. It was the foundation of every community.

I remember my mom and dad when I was in my twenties and thirties extolling the fear and danger of a country deteriorating at a rapid rate. I dismissed their rhetoric as the product of their conservative fundamental upbringing and advancing age. I would think to myself. “C’mon folks, things really aren’t at that bad. People have been fearing the end of the earth and the return of Jesus since the disciples were with us. It’s always appeared to be worsening for each generation”

Well, I am now my mom and dad. And I apologize to them for not respecting their life experience and understanding of the nature of the destruction of sin. I have what I believe is legitimate fear for my precious grandchildren. From my present place in life I believe the prospects for the country moving in a positive direction are at best pessimistic. Selfishness and greed have breached the dam and the flood waters are rising quickly.

For a culture and country that desires to live without God the inevitable collapse is growing imminent. Lying, hatred, immorality, disrespect, jealousy, unkindness, mistrust, apathy, and more is advancing at light speed. It is not the way it used to be. It is not the fear and rantings of an old man out of touch with the day. It is a husband, father, grandfather, and teacher that desires the best for others and this country.

Despite all the gloom and doom, there is hope. Remember these words?

“I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold
I’d rather be his than have riches untold
I’d rather have Jesus, than houses or lands
I’d rather be led by his nail pierced hands

I’d rather have Jesus than man’s applause
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause
I’d rather have Jesus than world wide fame
I’d rather be true to His holy name

Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.”