Day Ten: Five Things You Want to See Changed

So, this blog post may be a little unpopular with some of my readers, but I think that is the case with any topics such as these. So, read... reflect... and realize that we all have our own opinions. That's what makes the world go 'round.

#1: Compassion. You know, I am tired of hearing people push for acceptance and equality. To me, those are underlying problems as a result of very little compassion. If you're going to play that card, I feel like Christians are being scrutinized far too much for the antics that a very few participate in using God's name- and in the end, we are the ones discriminated against. If you're going to preach acceptance- please accept that we also have our beliefs and that, as a whole, Christians are not a bad group of people. That being said, if we ALL had a little more compassion for the people of this world, NONE of this would even be an issue. A little love goes a long ways. That's how I try to live my life at least.

#2: Technology is outrageous. Since when do 5 year-olds need a cellphone? Why do kids have to be constantly glued to a TV or gaming system? Why does society need to have DVD players installed in vehicles- and then use them for a 10 minute car ride? When I was a kid- we played outside... or with Lincoln Logs... or we drew pictures. Better yet, we picked up a book. Technology has its place- and it's very nice to have, but it is taking over the lives of too many people. It's pretty sad when you can't have a normal conversation because people are checking their iPhone, sending an email, or have their hands glued to a remote control. It's time to unplug... and plug back in to real relationships. Besides, kids don't need all of that sensory input- which I believe is a large cause of many of our sensory issues (even autism)- but, that's another conversation.

#3: Better understanding. This kind of goes hand in hand with point one. I work with a population that gets judged and made fun of a lot. That's not right. Though people with special needs are often disregarded, better understanding pertains to everyone. No one ever knows the full story behind someone. You see someone on the street and immediately begin judging them. I'm guilty of this myself. How much better would it be if we took the time to get to know someone- to see their beauty. God calls us to be loving. He does not call us to judge. Why is it that we do? Because we're humans- but, it's not right.

#4: Accountability and honesty. This is a big one. It's far easier to place the blame on someone else. It's easier to not take the credit for a relationship gone sour, forgotten homework, bad behavior, poor decisions, etc. It's the easy way out. If society, as a whole, took responsibility for themselves, a lot of problems would be solved.

#5: More positive involvement from the church. This one is HUGE. I am so tired of hearing people bash Christians- but, you know what fellow Christians, they have a right to do so. I think it's ridiculous that people will turn to negative sources for help before they will turn to the church. We have failed the American society. It is so sad that people are afraid to enter a church for fear of being judged, ridiculed, or slandered. Our Lord and Savior called us to be examples of His love. He did not call us to promote hate- He did not call us to turn others away with our hurtful actions. It is not every Christian, but there are enough who are doing things in the name of Christ that makes the group as a whole look bad. If we took the time to be silent witnesses- not asking for praise for our efforts, we would reach a lot more people. If we took time to love more, we would impact a lot more lives. If we took the time to lend a helping hand, Christ's love would be more properly demonstrated. If we took time to rise above our human instincts, the world would be a better place. As 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." God calls us to love as these verses instruct.

Those are my five things.