There is no doubt that America is losing the moral values that for ages have been the mainstay of proper behavior. There was a certain standard, a guidance that set us apart from the animals when it came to interaction between man and his fellowman. More and more we have seen that standard deteriorate and fall to the wayside because modern man has adopted the attitude that says, if it feels good, do it. with no thought or regard about how it might affect other people.

Today’s society has become accustomed to rude and uncouth behavior that would have been, and should still be, totally unacceptable. Too many think only of themselves and their wants, and give little or no thought to others.

There was a time, not so long ago, when people were considerate and concerned about their neighbors, friends, and each other. Lending a hand to those in need was a neighborhood project. Helping each other was a way of life.

Men showed proper respect to ladies, and the ladies for the most part were deserving of that respect. Men were careful with their language in the presence of women and children. People respected each other’s property and vandalism was practically unknown.

A man who worked hard to support his wife and family was a well-respected man, and the wife supported her husband’s efforts by setting good examples of behavior for her children to follow.

The rules for good and proper behavior were followed by our forefathers as they were outlined in the 10 Commandments. Even for the unbeliever, there can be little argument that there is a distinct difference between right and wrong, good and evil.

The atheist might be able to ignore the first four of those commandments that deal with man’s interaction with God; but he cannot deny that the other six should be used as a guideline for proper behavior in today’s world.

The fifth commandment instructs us to honor our fathers and mothers and the sixth tells us we should not commit murder. The seventh reminds us that adultery is wrong and the eighth tells us not to steal. The ninth warns us against bearing false witness against our neighbor, and the tenth tells us not to covet our neighbor’s house or wife or anything else that belongs to him.

Today’s America is a materialistic nation; a land of gimmes and gotta haves. Nearly every day a new device is introduced on the market to make life easier, communication faster, and pleasure more fulfilling. Too many people think they have to own the newest, the most impressive, the fastest and most expensive. To them these gadgets are like badges of self-esteem. They truth is, they are more like badges of dishonor. There is far too much emphasis put on material things and not enough on home, family, and country.

Children are constantly observing and following the examples set by their parents. It is the responsibility of the parents to set a code of ethics and morals for the family to follow; and of course, as the parents they must adhere to those moral values themselves.

First of all, choose your words wisely. If you constantly use vulgar language, then you can expect your children to follow suit. If you are prone to gossip about others, then do not be surprised if your children repeat the stories in front of others.

We have a future generation-in-the-making who will soon be in charge of this land. What kind of future can we expect from them if we fail to teach them the difference between right and wrong?

We see people take what they want, from whom they want, when they want with the use of force and brutality. We see gangs who kill for the thrill of killing; and wars being fought because of differences in religions and beliefs. We see greed for money and power that seems to have no boundaries. We see corrupt officials and politicians; and we see murders, rapes, pornography, and drug abuse at an all time high in this nation.

Trying to live by the principles of the 10 Commandments is not easy in today’s America when we are living in the midst of evil; but we should strive to teach our children that there can be a better tomorrow. We can do that only by turning the clock back on our own behavior and ethics. If we do not instill moral values in our children today, God help us tomorrow!