What do you stand for?
You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.
I like that song by the great philosopher and country music singer Aaron Tippin.
Quite often we allow ourselves to be lulled into the most inane things because we don’t follow our core beliefs. When we fail to stick to our guns, we get things like trillion-dollar deficits, government-run health care, abortion pills, gay marriage, rap music, Oklahoma, Chihuahuas, Brittney Spears … you get the picture.
If you’re not looking out, the next thing you know banks are failing, U.S. automakers are going under, taxes are going up and the wrong person is winning American Idol. (OK, I’ve never watched American Idol, so I wouldn’t know.)
I’ve spent some time lately thinking about things that are important in life. The essentials are solidly in place: Jesus, my wife and children, my career and a roof over my head. I’ve made an inventory of things that matter to me. I think I’ve been pushed to do this because so much in our culture runs contrary to what I know to be true and just.
I believe:
– That Jesus is the only way to God and eternal life.
– That abortion is murder and should be outlawed.
– That credit, in most cases, is wrong. (Save and then spend.)
– That more government control is not the answer to our problems.
– That the entertainment industry has too much control of our lives.
– That man is at least partly responsible for global warming and has an obligation to repair the damage we have caused.
– That pornography is a cancer of the soul.
– That marriage is exclusively for one man and one woman.
– That smoking, drinking and drugs are harmful to more than just the users.
– That parents have given up too much responsibility for their children and need to be a better influence in their lives.
– That women who stay home to raise a family should be commended and honored.
– In forgiveness.
– In the Golden Rule.
– In civility, charity, honesty, loyalty, caring, goodness, thrift, monogamy, justice, grace, responsibility, faith, self-control and a number of other character traits.
And just for fun, I believe:
– That cheeseburgers are the most perfect food in the world.
– That opera is as boring as hip-hop/rap is disgusting.
– That Seth Rogen, Will Farrell, Michael Moore and Woody Allen should stop making movies.
– That the Houston Texans have a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl this year.
– And that the Lone Ranger will ride again.
Of course this reflects my values, thoughts, beliefs (and humor). We each have our own beliefs and all of us are unique in our values and practice of those qualities.
I have close friends whose values are quite different from mine. I respect them even though I don’t agree with them. What I don’t respect are those who reject morality – those who know what is good and unrepentantly chose to do wrong.
For example, I do not respect drunk drivers, smokers, drug users, racists, rapists, child molesters, murderers, and so on. They have willingly and knowingly made bad choices.
In contrast, I am often at odds with liberals, pro-choicers, homosexuals, etc., but if they are resolute in their beliefs, I can respect them for that. I may disagree with them, but I can respect that they feel they are doing what is good and right. It’s those who wantonly do wrong or lack a belief system that irk me.
My blood boils whenever I see someone throw a cigarette butt out their car window. First, they show lack of respect for their health and those around them by engaging in that nasty habit. Secondly, they show lack of respect for others and the environment by littering. And third, their carelessness puts others at risk, especially under dry conditions.
Now I can respect a smoker who refuses to smoke around others and who does not litter the sidewalks and roads with their butts. They may disrespect their own health, but they respect the health and rights of others.
I guess that’s enough of this ranting for now. It will be interesting to look back at this several years down the road to see how well my beliefs hold up and if I’ve changed in my convictions.
How about you? What do you stand for – or will you fall for anything?
I like that song by the great philosopher and country music singer Aaron Tippin.
Quite often we allow ourselves to be lulled into the most inane things because we don’t follow our core beliefs. When we fail to stick to our guns, we get things like trillion-dollar deficits, government-run health care, abortion pills, gay marriage, rap music, Oklahoma, Chihuahuas, Brittney Spears … you get the picture.
If you’re not looking out, the next thing you know banks are failing, U.S. automakers are going under, taxes are going up and the wrong person is winning American Idol. (OK, I’ve never watched American Idol, so I wouldn’t know.)
I’ve spent some time lately thinking about things that are important in life. The essentials are solidly in place: Jesus, my wife and children, my career and a roof over my head. I’ve made an inventory of things that matter to me. I think I’ve been pushed to do this because so much in our culture runs contrary to what I know to be true and just.
I believe:
– That Jesus is the only way to God and eternal life.
– That abortion is murder and should be outlawed.
– That credit, in most cases, is wrong. (Save and then spend.)
– That more government control is not the answer to our problems.
– That the entertainment industry has too much control of our lives.
– That man is at least partly responsible for global warming and has an obligation to repair the damage we have caused.
– That pornography is a cancer of the soul.
– That marriage is exclusively for one man and one woman.
– That smoking, drinking and drugs are harmful to more than just the users.
– That parents have given up too much responsibility for their children and need to be a better influence in their lives.
– That women who stay home to raise a family should be commended and honored.
– In forgiveness.
– In the Golden Rule.
– In civility, charity, honesty, loyalty, caring, goodness, thrift, monogamy, justice, grace, responsibility, faith, self-control and a number of other character traits.
And just for fun, I believe:
– That cheeseburgers are the most perfect food in the world.
– That opera is as boring as hip-hop/rap is disgusting.
– That Seth Rogen, Will Farrell, Michael Moore and Woody Allen should stop making movies.
– That the Houston Texans have a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl this year.
– And that the Lone Ranger will ride again.
Of course this reflects my values, thoughts, beliefs (and humor). We each have our own beliefs and all of us are unique in our values and practice of those qualities.
I have close friends whose values are quite different from mine. I respect them even though I don’t agree with them. What I don’t respect are those who reject morality – those who know what is good and unrepentantly chose to do wrong.
For example, I do not respect drunk drivers, smokers, drug users, racists, rapists, child molesters, murderers, and so on. They have willingly and knowingly made bad choices.
In contrast, I am often at odds with liberals, pro-choicers, homosexuals, etc., but if they are resolute in their beliefs, I can respect them for that. I may disagree with them, but I can respect that they feel they are doing what is good and right. It’s those who wantonly do wrong or lack a belief system that irk me.
My blood boils whenever I see someone throw a cigarette butt out their car window. First, they show lack of respect for their health and those around them by engaging in that nasty habit. Secondly, they show lack of respect for others and the environment by littering. And third, their carelessness puts others at risk, especially under dry conditions.
Now I can respect a smoker who refuses to smoke around others and who does not litter the sidewalks and roads with their butts. They may disrespect their own health, but they respect the health and rights of others.
I guess that’s enough of this ranting for now. It will be interesting to look back at this several years down the road to see how well my beliefs hold up and if I’ve changed in my convictions.
How about you? What do you stand for – or will you fall for anything?
posted by Joe Southern | 9:02 AM
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