VALUES AND PRIORITIES

From My Perspective - - -

If one conducts his/her life from an incorrect set of basic values, then the priorities in and for life will reflect it. There used to be a basic premise that was often quoted two generations ago – “It’s never right to do wrong in order for right to occur.” What are negative values that impact positive life priorities? The cultural slide and chaos that is constantly gaining momentum is evident.

The May 3^rd, 2014 edition of World Magazine has a question on its cover: “Coat of Many Dollars – Is Your Child’s College Education Worth It?” Ann illustration of the Cultural Slide is shared in an article, Sexual Propaganda by Andree Sue Peterson. She includes the following regarding a required textbook by Crooks and Baur for a Human Sexuality Class and refers to it as “the blatantly propagandist.”  She quotes from the textbook: “The religious right in America has long labored to reinforce traditional gender roles through its efforts to shape American politics. Gender roles are a product of socialization. The teachings of Jesus emphasized love, compassion, and forgiveness…’Neither do I condemn thee.’ Homophobia can be best thought of as a prejudice similar to racism, anti-Semitism, or sexism.” Here are Crooks and Baur as Bible experts: “Beginning in the 7th century BCE…Jewish religious leaders wanted to develop a distinct closed community. Homosexual activities were a part of the religious practices of many peoples in that era, and rejecting such practices was one way of keeping the Jewish religion unique.” The book has a chapter on “Guidelines for Coming Out to Friends,” photos of myriad sexual positions, and a table to educate you on the difference between fetishism, transvestic fetishism, sexual sadism, sexual masochism, autoerotic asphyxia, Klismophilia, Coprophilia and Urophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, frotteurism, zoophilia, and necophilia. Not a moral objection is raised to any of the above sexual expressions.”

The above article concludes with the following: “In Cal Thomas’ What Works, the political commentator writes: The question must be asked: why do so many parents who hold traditional views that worked for them and the country willingly and enthusiastically send their children to academic institutions that frequently undermine everything they believe? And pay for it, too? Is it because of the ‘prestige’ of these historic schools? Isn’t it time to stop kidding ourselves about the worth of faded sheepskin and “prestige”

Amid the cultural slide and chaos, we have those voices who clamor for gun control. Interestingly, those seeking to champion this objective choose to ignore the obvious. Someone raised the question: “Where do the guns come from in Chicago?” The observation made is: The number of Gun Stores in Chicago is Zero. The number of Homicides in Chicago in 2012 was 1806.” When compared with Texas, “there are more than 1500 legal places to buy guns in Houston. The number of Homicides in Houston, TX in 2012 was 207.”

In terms of the cultural slide and chaos and military readiness, it is estimated that the President and his family have spent an estimated $20 million to vacation in Hawaii. At the same time, the budget for West Point Academy is being cut by $92 million. There is a secure and well-maintained for Presidential retreats and vacations at Camp David. Have we allowed for erudition and arrogance to determine these values and priorities? 

In behalf of our children and grand-children, there needs to be a return to the basic values and priorities beginning with the implementation of Proverbs 22:4-6, “The reward for humility and fear of The LORD is riches and honor and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” And also, Proverbs 3:3-7, “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.” Together – let us consider these things!