When I mention the phrase, lovers and friends, your reaction might be influenced by your age. For example, a younger generation might think of a music festival that features “nostalgic hip-hop and R&B.” And an older generation might remember lyrics from a Beatles song:
All these places have their moments.
With lovers and friends, I still can recall.
Some are dead and some are living.
In my life, I’ve loved them all.
Lovers and friends came to my mind, today, because of hatred.
I know how, at first glance, that sounds counterintuitive. But see if this makes sense to you.
Have you noticed how the world is obsessed with selfies? And money? And pleasure and leisure? Anyone who hasn’t noticed, I wonder where you’ve been. Also, if you’ve paid attention to social media and so-called “news” reporters, you surely couldn’t have missed how much more brutal and unforgiving criminals have become.
I recently saw a video clip of some young guys who sneaked up behind an old lady and stole something from her. And after they grabbed what they wanted, they hit her in the head and knocked her to the ground. Sadly, that’s not an isolated incident. Young people are attacking older people, defenseless young women, and even kids at an alarming rate. And people of all colors, creeds, and countries despise what is actually good and wholesome.
And the vast majority of kids disobey to their parents. That’s if and when they even listen to them. Because they’re parents bargain with them. Or debate with them. And, as a result, kids are headstrong while parents are head weak. Plus, self-control is almost non-existent in humans of all ages.
Then, there are the “tolerant” beautiful people.
You know, the ones who love their money, influence, and power more than they love their neighbors. And the killers who shoot somebody, on camera, in a store, in the daytime. And they walk past their victim, who’s on the floor, and shoot them again on the way out of the store. Totally void of love, forgiveness, and a respect for right and wrong.
America is flooded with traitors and those who aid and abet them. This country is overflowing with brutal people who murder for the cost of a “fix.” Or even just to “see what it felt like.”
And maybe you’ve noticed the HUGE spike in human trafficking? Most of those who are abducted become work slaves or sex slaves. There seems to be no low level they won’t stoop to.
My observations are based on what I see in America, where I live and from what I read about what goes on in the rest of the world. We have technology that gives us access to information 24/7/365. And yet, with all that learning, very few ever reach the knowledge and value of truth. Actual validated, verified, and viable truth.
For Christians (at least those who read the Bible), this is horrible. But not surprising. Because Paul told us it would be like this. He described everything I just wrote about with incredible accuracy. It’s almost as though he got some inside information about the future. And Paul had some strong words for Christians. But I suggest you do NOT go read those words if you don’t appreciate masculine teaching.
Like Paul, I’m an optimist.
With an optimism based on facts and promises. So, I don’t worry or live in fear of what’s going on in this world. In spite of its scarcity of true lovers and friends. Because, ultimately, this is where I live for just a little while.
In This World (but not of it)
I’m in this world but not of it.
I like this life but don’t love it.
My Savior rises above it.
I’m in this world but not of it.
This world can beat me up.
But this world is not my home.
I have a finer place where I will forever roam.
This world’s no easy street.
This world is not so nice.
It costs a lot to leave,
But my Father paid the price.
So…Chorus
This world has lots of love,
But this world is filled with hate.
One day it won’t be so,
And so I can hardly wait.
This world has moans and groans.
This world has aches and pain,
But soon even this shall pass,
Jesus the King will reign.
Chorus…inst…chorus 3 times
© 2008
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