This "old Marine Corps Motto" means, "Always Faithful", Forever Faithful, Eternally Faithful... I now realize and understand I was very, very fortunate to have a Dad that believed that motto to his very core... Always Faithful... This is a term that has been lost in the last couple generations... For FAITH has seemed to escape many. See, my Dad taught my siblings and I that Faith, Truth, Trust, Honor, Integrity, Character, Respect and Loyalty were deep foundational truths that defined the man.
We have lost those core moral attributes in this world, culture & society. In the wake of that foundational shift, we ditched our moral compass along the road somewhere as well. The collateral damage of these moral pillars failing has been most noticeable in our relationships, or, the failure of our relationships. Husbands and Wives throwing marriages away after investing 30, 40 and even 50 years of their lives. Friendships lasted a lifetime 100 years ago, today, if your closest friend doesn't meet your wants and perceived needs, simply walk away and find someone else that will make you "happy".
Today, a man must be the rock of the home, a good provider, a good lover, a good house keeper, a good gardener, provide emotional security as well as be Mr. Mom when called upon. The culture has emasculated men, and in many circles confused the Biblically appointed roles of the genders so drastically, that the Home has become a battle ground. All this because of that illusive American Dream... Nice House, Nice Car, Toys, Vacations, Nights Out - money, money, money... It became too much for one income to achieve the American Dream. So, we ripped the baby out of Mommy's arms, dumped them into the baby sitters arms (now day care centers), and put poor Mommy out there into the work force to earn more money. Subjecting her to diverse opinions and worldly influence and lustful eyes and smooth talking wolves. We have given parental authority by proxy to the daycares & the school systems with a significant liberal bent, and then wonder why we have shootings, stabbings, rapes and bullying on school property. Really??? Where are the voices of Reason???
50 - 70 years ago, families got involved with each other's struggles, there was a sense of accountability, to God and to each other. God was just a matter of fact. The Bible was revered and honored, considered God's Holy Word and Instruction to man, let alone His written will for our lives. Prayer was an essential to get thru the day. Modesty was exercised by most folks, and inappropriate conversation was never within ear shot of children. When our Son or Daughter was having marital issues, we encouraged and exhorted them as the Good Book instructs to do. We "worked" at our marriages, and sought help from our Pastor, Mother, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa when our marriages or life became a struggle. We stuck with things and fixed them, rather than throw them in the garbage can and go out and get a new one. We allowed our Children to read the Bible in School, Pray in School and recite the Pledge of Allegiance in School... ALL THREE HAVE BEEN REMOVED from the majority of schools today... AND - We question why 15 to 17 years old kids are signing up for ISIS and running away from home? Really??? Where are the voices of Reason??? Where is the Public Outcry For The Moral Staples of our Society to be brought back into the Public Schools????
Today, God is Optional - if He even exists in most people's minds. The Bible - is considered simply a book of suggestions, and at best is an ala carte menu choice as it is relevant to my wants. Prayer - who needs prayer, I have a secular Shrink that has the whole world figured out that I pay good money for advice - who needs prayer...? If you have turned on a TV or Radio lately, there is NO Modesty or Appropriateness to conversation or entertainment any more. We might as well de-commission the FCC, because they are an unneeded and morally irrelevant government agency today.
If we Believe In God, and His Son Jesus Christ, then inherently we will also believe Faith, Truth, Trust, Honor, Integrity, Character, Respect and Loyalty are essential parts of a man or woman's soul. We will practice Faith in God and trust His will in our relationships, friendships and marriages. We will work at making them wholesome, pure and above reproach. We will Honor God in honoring those He has placed in our lives. We will be Biblically Obedient to God, by sacrificing our own desires and wants for our spouse until He calls us Home thru Death or at the Trumpet Sound. We will honor our other relationships and friendships by showing Christ's Love, Compassion and Charity in those relationships for a lifetime, not just while its convenient. FAITH is not as we define it - it is as HE Defines it. Do NOT Trust this old layman - Read The Book for Yourself...
Here are some Passages To Start With - then KEEP GOING !!!
1st John 1:8-10
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
2nd Timothy 4
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
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