From the Home Place

October 1, 2025

And just like that, September has come and gone. I know that the speed of light is moving right along, as well as the speed of sound. Yet both of those seem to be standing still when it comes to the speed of time. Time seems to run faster than a good thoroughbred horse when he is laid down and running at his best. With time comes change.

October 1 always marks the beginning of several different rifle hunting seasons around Wyoming. Back in my teen years, the local high school would be half full on October 1. Leading up to this day, the young men would drive their dusty ‘ol pickups into the school parking lot, with at least one rifle in the back window.

During lunch time, the rifles would come out to be examined by all, even teachers. This rifle would be sporting a new scope; this one would show off its freshly varnished stock, yet another would gain attention because of the amazing large round it was bored to shoot. And then, all of the rifles would go back into their owner’s vehicle, and students and teachers would return to class, no threat, no fear.

Now days, a rifle brought to school is going to get someone a free ride in the local cop car. What happened between then and now? For the most part, rifles have not changed, so what changed to cause them to become so hated and feared?

Time happened, and with the passing of time, sin increased, and with more sin comes more fear. No, there isn’t any more sin today than there was 50 years ago, but the severity of that sin has increased immensely. From the time I was a teen and well into adulthood, if two fellers were at odds, they just simply stepped outside and let their fists determine who was the toughest. Heck, our football coach would even referee most such battles fought at school.

But even with guns and fists, there was always a degree of respect one for another. We may have been enemies for five minutes out behind the school, but then we were dedicated team mates on the football field because we had gained a measure of respect for each other. Perhaps that is what is missing today – RESPECT!

Years ago, most students respected each other, teachers, officers of the law, military men and women, parents and God. Even though a person might be using God’s name in vain, and that person had never been to church, there was still a certain respect for God as the ultimate authority within one’s life. For the most part, respect for those listed above has turned into hatred against them.

In the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew there is a rather short verse that should gain more attention than it does. Verse 12, “because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” I’m of the opinion that Jesus was speaking of the time in which we now live. Note the phrase, “most people’s love will grow cold.” The word Jesus used for “love” here comes from the Greek word “agape.” It is the word used for men loving their wife and children and for God’s love for the world.

“Agape” speaks of a love that is willing to sacrifice for others, therein lies the problem. We have become a self-centered culture instead of a sacrificing culture. Today, everything is about me. Go to your local school and watch children from kindergarten through seniors and you will soon discover a self-centered society. Oh, don’t blame the children nor the school, they have learned to be selfish way before they get to school.

You see, in my opinion, selfishness is just the symptom, not the problem. The problem goes back to the kind of respect that I spoke of earlier. A respect that puts even my enemies on a common ground as a fellow human. A respect that recognizes and even honors those in authority positions. A respect for others, and a healthy respect for self.

Today, read Matthew 5 again, slowly. Chew on the words that Jesus is sharing.

Yep, time is flying by so quickly that time itself is about to run out of time. Speaking of the end of time the Holy Spirit has given us 1 Timothey 3. Once again, a key verse is hiding in the shadows, “But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (v.13 Deception is born out of self-centeredness, and both are born out of a lack of respect.

Yes, it may be considered “old fashioned,” but it is time that we who remember “respect” bring it back for a second act. May we show respect for self, others and especially God in such a way that those around us will notice the light! And by the way, I’m not talking about the old song either.

I respect you for reading this, now let’s go live it!

Respecting others with you, Neal – before we run out of time!