What piqued my interest as I read his material was his reference to power of moral clarity. Without moral clarity, according to Sharansky, free societies can inadvertently aid very fear societies that threaten them. For example, during Cold War years when Western powers tried negotiating détente with Soviet Union, they did nothing more than play into their hands. By playing détente “game” they could stall long and consolidate their grip on power as they attempted to match or surpass West militarily.

Leaders like Jimmy Carter and Henry Kissinger with their notion to better relations with Soviets by negotiations were ineffective. On other hand, leaders like Ronald Ragan and Senator Henry Jackson who insisted that Soviet Union undertake internal human rights reforms as a condition for better relations with West, actually did most to undermine Soviet’s tyrannical system.

Interesting…to carry a big stick and speak with real demands is what’s needed to break down tyranny. To tell a rogue nation to shape up or ship out works. It took a lot of guts for Regan to call former Soviet Union “Evil Empire.” But you know what, according to Sharansky, they listened. They complied. They eventually went bankrupt trying to match military build up of United States.

Now dear friend I say this to encourage you. When God gives you authority to make a stand, then make it without apology. When your teenagers are threatening to take you hostage, remember—you’re parent. You’re one in charge. Tell them your demands, and then stick to you guns. God has given you authority over your domain. If you are a parent, your house is your domain. You have authority over it. Use your authority to get what you want. If you are an employer, then you set course of your business. If you are a student, then tell yourself what grades you are going to make, and then make them. You are boss. Don’t delegate. It’s your responsibility to maintain peace of mind by being assertive with your God given authority.

I think a good dose of authority and assertiveness would do Americans good right now. I don’t mean arrogance or rudeness expressed toward your neighbor or loved one for sake of offensiveness. I’m talking about taking control of your domain because it is your God ordained right. God is not party to confusion (I Corinthians 14:33). He’s not about disorder and chaos for sake of sparing somebody’s feelings. He’s God of order and righteousness, justice, and order. He’s looking for men and women with guts. Even Bible declares—“be like men.” Grow beyond childhood, and take dominion over your domain. This is God’s will for you.

I sure hope I haven’t offended you….

Keep faith. Stay course. Tell them what you want and live life fully.

Pastor T dash