Over the past several weeks and months I have found myself agitated by how people choose to behave. There are so many people today caught up in being selfish. Everyone seems to be concerned about their own self and their own needs. When I watch how people treat one another, it disgusts me. The way people behave is contrary to what Jesus taught and how Jesus acted. Which means that I have my work cut out for me since I am trying to encourage people to think about how they should live. I can't help but think that God must look down on us and be disappointed.
Now I am not saying that I act perfectly. I am a sinner, just like anyone else. I mess up, make mistakes, treat people wrongly, and sometimes act selfish. But I would say, overall, that I am very concerned about other people. I often put people before myself. I would do anything to help anyone. And I am very compassionate. I have a long way to go, but I know that I am not as bad as a lot of people in today's world are. Where did humanity go wrong?
Trying to raise a child in this world has got me thinking of how I can avoid producing an adult that acts like this. Therefore, I have come up with a list of things I wish to teach Joshua (and future children). I will add to this list as I come up with more.
1. Always say please, thank you, and you're welcome.
2. Say yes sir/ma'am and no sir/ma'am.
3. You are no better than anyone else; God loves us all equally
4. See a person for what is on the inside, not on the outside
5. Love others the way Christ loves people and the church
6. Treat everyone with love and respect
7. Help others whenever you can in whatever way you are able
8. Work hard because nothing is handed to you
9. Be proud of yourself and love yourself
10. Make other people important, but don't make yourself a doormat
11. Be honest
12. Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments, but don't be prideful
13. Do what is right
14. Don't let other people make you feel bad about who you are
15. Live as God commands
16. Go to church
17. Tell people how you feel
18. Stand up for yourself
19. Don't give up on your dreams, work hard at them instead
20. Be responsible and fulfill your duties
And no matter what, know that your parents love you more than you could ever imagine. You are a special person to God and to us. You are a personof worth, and we will always treat you as such.
