We have a constitutional amendment having to do with freedom of speech. The intent of this amendment is commendable, the main idea being that we are free to speak our thoughts even though they are critical of the government or other positions of power. (Christians however need to keep in mind that the Bible does not teach freedom of speech but speech that is controlled by the Spirit of God. In fact, James refers to the tongue as a world of evil, claiming it is set on fire by Hell.)

In America the worship of the freedom-of-speech amendment is ludicrous! Preposterous!

Under the protection of freedom of speech we have popular music that advocates rape, murder, and other forms of violence and destruction. Such invitations to violence appear also on the moving picture and television screens.

People are continually nourished with every conceivable portrayal of murder, fornication, drunkenness, violence, witchcraft, covetousness, unfaithfulness in marriage, rebellion against authority, and so forth. Then when the young people (as well as other ages) act out what they have been dosed with practically from babyhood we are amazed. If anyone attempts to suggest perhaps the murderer derived his plans from contemporary music, or the television, or the Internet, the cry is raised immediately: "We must not interfere with freedom of speech."

No doubt those of the future who study history will marvel at the blind stupidity of the American people concerning this freedom-of-speech worship, that is, if there are any people in the future.

We are to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. We do not have the option to dwell on the moral filth of our society, not even to fret about it or to rail against it. What is being done is not even to be discussed by Christian people. It is shameful, abhorrent, disgusting, revolting, mentally nauseous.

For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. (Ephesians 5:12—NIV)

But this is the daily fare in America. We are to ask God to cleanse it from our minds that we may dwell continually on that which is pure. Otherwise we will not have the perfect peace that the Lord Jesus desires for us.

We are to think about whatever is lovely, whatever is lovable, whatever is gracious. No doubt the Apostle Paul while in the barracks of the Praetorian Guard enjoyed remembering scenes from his boyhood in Tarsus, a distinguished city of the Roman Empire.

We have been commanded to set our minds and affections on that which is above, in Heaven. Sometimes it is enjoyable to go window-shopping in Heaven. Do you like to do this? You can think about what you believe Heaven will be like for you; who will meet you when you die; what it will be like to meet deceased relatives and old friends.

There is no harm in letting the Lord know what you would like to be true when you die, to picture in your mind what you hope is true. Sometimes we have to carefully search our heart to discover what we really want.

To be continued.