I lived through the Sixties. I know, they say that if you can remember living through the Sixties then you didn't really ‘live' through the Sixties. Still, I lived through the Sixties. I remember the marches for and against the War in Viet Nam; the marches for and against Civil Rights; the marches for and against Gay and Lesbian rights; the marches for and against Abortion; and on and on. It was obvious that, during the Sixties, we were a divided nation. Feelings ran white hot on both sides concerning any agenda - we were a divided nation. College campuses erupted into violence - we were a divided nation. Families took sides; churches took sides; everybody took sides - we were a divided nation.

But, with all that, I feel that we are more divided now than ever before - especially within the conservative church. I've wondered of late, as I listen to commentators from both Conservative and Liberal sides taking verbal pot-shots at petty things like the way people dress, the way they talk, or the weight they might have gained, if we realize how much damage this kind of behavior does, to both sides. It takes all attention away from the real issues. Plus, our children are watching and listening. Moreover, our Lord Jesus is watching and listening.

Yes, I have views - they are Bible-based, conservative views. Yes, I take stands - they are Bible-based, conservative stands. No, I'm not afraid of a fight - I am, after all, enlisted in the Lord's army and to some degree, a leader. But, some things just should not be said - especially by Christians. My goodness, we sound like a bunch of snotty little third-graders and the best we can do is talk about how someone's clothes fit, or not.

Lord I ask that you arm us all to ‘fight the good fight' of faith and ‘having done all we can do, to stand' on the principles taught in the Holy Scriptures. But, Lord, please deliver us from the pit of slander for the sake of slander alone.  It does not honor you Son.

Shame on Satan for such a tactic and shame on us for falling for it. Maybe we owe the Sixties an apology.