He

Only

Left

You

Basic

Instructions

Before

Leaving

Earth

One instruction we were given:  “A house divided against itself will not stand.” (see Matthew 12:25; Mark 3:25)

Evidence throughout history reveals the veracity of this instruction/warning.  Yet, sadly, Americans seem to have completely either forgotten or ignored this truth.  Nowadays, there is so much rancor encircling our society…our house.   We cannot allow this to continue.  Otherwise, when we least expect it, our nation will implode.

To those who consider such a pronouncement to be hyperbole, consider this:  Prior to its collapse, the Roman Empire was, without question, the world’s greatest superpower (sound familiar?).

Historians generally agree that Rome “fell” as a result of, inter alia, ineffective and inconsistent leadership.  As its citizens lost confidence in its government, civic pride waned.  For their own selfish reasons, many members of the wealthy class (aided and abetted by political operatives) attempted to divide the citizenry.  Not surprisingly, cruel mistreatment by the Romans of certain immigrants created a dangerous enemy within their own borders.  Eventually, the traditional Roman values system eroded…civic war resulted…the superpower crumbled.

The United States is not immune to self-destruction.  Indeed, the American Civil War, one of the most ferocious wars ever fought, resulted in at least 1,030,000 casualties (3 percent of the population). This Civil War destroyed much of the wealth that had existed in the South.  Income per person in the South dropped to less than 40 percent of that of the North, a condition that lasted until well into the 20th century.  Southern influence in the U.S. Federal Government, previously considerable, was greatly diminished until the latter half of the 20th century.  (Much of the South remains the poorest region of our country.)

How do we resolve our differences?

There is no magic potion.   There is no immediate solution.  But, perhaps, we can begin to mend our quarrels by choosing to listen to one another rather than automatically assuming that anyone who disagrees with you is your enemy.

For example, the next time you activate your turn signal, attempting to change lanes, yet, the driver behind you blocks your efforts to do so, instead of allowing anger to seize control, choose to offer that driver a loving thought:  “I hope your day is full of peace.”

Admittedly, this is not an easy task.  In fact, it might require several failed attempts before you succeed.  Nonetheless, such an act (choice) will inure to your benefit.  (Do not allow anger to be the final arbiter of  any decision.)

Despite my concerns regarding the future of our country, I remain confident that together we possess the ability to * a society that *.

Life is a series of choices.  Let us choose wisely.