Tag Archives: common courtesy

The Content of Character; Not the Color of Your Skin

In this age of instant information, individuals have become synonymous with specific acts, movements or speeches.  Whether its Benedict Arnold during the Revolutionary War, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a civil rights leader or Abraham Lincoln for his second inaugural address, these moments transcend time.  Yet, in the end, you should be judged based upon the content of character displayed, not the color of your skin.

But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, Proverbs 1:24.

During the most recent Democratic and Republican National Convention, certain groups tried to high-jack and steer the audience toward their movement.  Thus, Black Lives Matter either protested or expressed their beliefs within these avenues.  In response, opposition crowds chimed in with All Lives Matter as well as Blue Lives Matter.  These highly charged reactions is freedom of speech in action.  Nonetheless, those caught up by emotions may miss the point, the content of your character is what truly matters.

I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you—Proverbs 1:26.

Sure, this day and age is not your parents generation, but respect should be encouraged.  Without decency, open debate and common courtesy, opinions are merely a voice in the wind.  Maybe children haven’t been raised properly.  Perhaps, parents have become hypocrites, setting a bad example for those still growing up.  Despite this, Americans should not forgot Dr. King’s “I have a dream speech.”  For if this message is rejected, this country will regress, returning to a nation that is once again color blind.

by Jay Mankus

Opening the Door of Faith

Back in the days where common courtesy reigned, men would open the door for ladies.  Whether you were entering a building, car or home, gentlemen put the opposite sex first, waiting patiently until girls or women went before them.  However, throughout history God regularly poured out his mercy, sending grace like rain upon the oppressed.

On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles, Acts 14:27.

In the middle of the first century, arrogance filled Jewish leaders, making Gentiles, those living outside of Israel feel like lesser human beings.  As Paul and Barnabas began their earthly ministry, this attitude offended these men of God.  Thus, instead of attempting to reach Jews with the good news about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, these apostles turned their attention to the Gentiles, opening the door of faith to all nations.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me, Revelation 3:20.

In a vision, John, the disciple whom Jesus loved uses the illustration of a door to explain an new opportunity to connect with God.  This analogy has Jesus knocking at a door.  However, this doesn’t belong to a building.  This door is like a human heart, which Jesus wants to enter.  Yet, the Lord doesn’t force himself into your life,  Rather, you have to exercise free will, opening this door of faith on your own.  May the Christmas spirit inspire those who have drifted away from the Lord to come back home by opening the door of faith.

by Jay Mankus