Growing older I guess affords you the opportunity of gaining some introspection. As a child I was always told by my parents what the rules where. I was taught the fundamentals of what was socially considered right or wrong. I was also told what the consequences would be if I violated those rules as well. As I drive into work each morning I listen to public radio news so that I can stay current on the events that are going on in the world.

Most morning radio shows (including the Christian ones) are much too hyped up for me in the morning. I just don't want to be overwhelmed with extreme and loud stimuli in the morning. As I listened to the announcer read off the activities that were going on and around in the world I felt my spirit slowly become weary.

It just dawned on me that throughout my life I have witness so many changes within our society in America. I was born in the 60s during the tail end of the civil rights movement and the beginning of the Vietnam War. I was too young to remember those events but I do remember how they effected my life.

I can still recall being in elementary school watching the television broadcast of the first man on the moon. Other events such as the voter age being changed to 18, abortion rights, flag burning, homosexuality, sex on television, couples living together, the gas shortage, Desert Storm, the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and most recently medical marijuana.

As a Christian it grieves me that so many people have given their lives over to these ideas. I come to the conclusion that people don't believe in the rules. There is a natural tendency to resist the rules when we feel they conflict or hinder our personal choices.

As a soldier I have taken the sacred oath to defend this country against all enemies foreign and domestic. What saddens me beyond belief is how so many Americans are so quick to defend their rights but are NOT willing to defend those rights on the battlefield! I grow tired of watching manhood in the country being disrespected everyday. I can turn on my television set at any hour of the day and witness two men embraced in a romantic kiss. Just the other day I saw a female country singer on the Oprah show confessing to the world that she is now gay. Her father was interviewed and in his statement he rejected basic Christian truths regarding homosexuality.

I really felt sorry for this man because I could sympathize with his love for his daughter. The REAL question is, "is it worth rejecting the TRUTH of God for it?" Oprah is a very wealthy and powerful person in the 'entertainment' world. I do not minimize or down grade her accomplishments. She too has my compassion because the 'blood' of so many people is on her hands! With her shows she has managed to introduce homosexuality as a 'normal' life function. She has opened the door for others such as Ellen Degeneres, Queen Latifah and countless others to do the same.

When I was a teenager I was told that marijuana was a drug and that using it would have long term effects on my brain. Just the other day I heard a report where they are now having discussions to consider legalizing the drug! As time continues to move forward it is becoming more difficult tto enforce people to do the right thing!

In the days of alcohol prohibition the government found it costly and time consuming to manage such an endeavor. In fact it would work in the government's favor to instill a liquor tax that would bring in additional revenue. Critics are saying that this is probably what will happen with the drug marijuana.

Are you overwhelmed yet with all that I have written about so far? Well let me spin this in a positive direction. I started this article by saying that 'no one wants to follow the rules.' I make this same criticism about myself. Let it be known that I am no better than the next guy because there have been times in my life where I wanted to bend or break the rules.

There is one thing that I do understand. Keeping the rules when I can easily break the rules is a sign of maturity. I gain so much wisdom and gratification when I keep the rules.

Your question might be, "who makes the rules?" As a Christian I believe that God is author of ALL truth. I believe that there is only ONE way to that TRUTH and his name is Jesus. It is Jesus who defines the terms and definition for our lives. That is why I can NEVER become confused by the world's opinions! I can NEVER be distracted if the world tells me it's okay to seek God through alternative choices.

It is Jesus who makes the rules. It is how I understand this world. I don't have to lose my joy when the world is spinning out of control. God is in control. Jesus loves us all and in knowing just that piece of truth, it turns my heart into a heart of compassion.

Watching the human race exhaust itself by scurrying around trying to find purpose, peace and meaning is hard to watch. What gives me such a respect towards God is that He loves us in spite of our choices.

There has NEVER been recorded in the history of mankind any successful sinners. The Bible says in Romans 6:23 'For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.' I know all too well how hard it is to keep the rules. Like everyone else I struggle daily with compromise and contempt of the rules. The truth for me is that I can't pretend anymore to live like the rules don't exist.

Article by Sgt. Roy Lewis