Good vs Bad

When I was growing up, I remember pleading with my mom, somewhat like this: "But all the other kids do it," or "But all the other kids' moms let them do it." And I remember her saying, "If all the other kids jumped off the roof, would you do it?"

Too often, folks say that there is no use in trying to be good because there are so many bad people in the world that they might as well just give in and join them. But think about it - if we who care about trying to live according to the Commandments, if we gave up, do you even want to imagine what the world would be like if we abandoned it to "them:?

I've seen so many folks in the past few years who have become less ethical, less moral, less faithful, less themselves than they used to be. It's sad to see. They use excuses like the ones above, or say things like "I didn't have any choice but to do it."

We all have choices. Sometimes we just don't like the right choice, but we do have a choice. Instead of each of us getting worse as we grow older, we should be getting better. I try so hard to conquer my personal flaws, but I know I am not a Mother Teresa. Still, if I do not try, I join the "other side," and then there is one more out there who is pulling the world down.

So, I must try each day to live the right way, no matter what others around me say , and even if I fail off and on. It is the right thing for me to do.

Dear Lord, please take notice of all of us who really do care, who really do try. Please do not take action against the whole world because of what some others do, but instead, have mercy on us for what we try to do. And, please, guide me each day, each step of the way.