“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell

 I think that most people in America will tell you that we are in a cultural crisis in this country.  The standards of honesty, integrity and courage that founded this great country have been replaced with political correctness, selfishness, laziness and cowardly behavior.  The freedoms that we have held dear for over 200 years are being taken away and the self-interest of the few have robbed the many.  Even within the church we have allowed those who are enemies of the cross to dictate to those who claim to believe.  As Charles Spurgeon said “I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church.”

Having said that, I also see great hope for our future.  Over the past few years more and more people are standing for truth and righteousness.  We have seen true heroes rise up and make a stand against those who would bring this nation down.  They fight for the high standards we once lived by.  These people believing that it is more desirable to bring people up to something better than to bring them down to the lowest common denominator.  These are everyday people who have chosen to stand for what is right no matter the cost.  The late actor Christopher Reeves said “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

Success-Minded People know they have a responsibility to be striving for excellence not only in what they do but in who they are.  The greatest changes in our culture for the good will not happen by forcing others to change or by more laws and restrictions, it comes by personal change.  If each of us live our lives with integrity we will see great change happen.  Success-Minded People must be willing to stand for what is right, never lower the standards, never compromise and be willing to be an example to the generation to come.

             Here are a few things we can all do to see a real change in our culture:

• Set a high standard for yourself and do your best to live up to it.
• Get involved in politics, run for office and do not allow those who would bring us down to have the control.
• Support good wholesome programs for our children.  Groups like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4H and others that focus on building character and right behavior.
• Be involved in your community schools.  Know the curriculum they are teaching and insist that our children be taught what is right, truthful and patriotic.
• Be successful in business, law, education, medicine and all areas of our culture.  Set the standards for these areas.

          No longer believe that you are just one person and you cannot make a difference.  You are one of many.  Besides, all great things started with just one person.  Be positive, upbeat and encouraging to those around you.  Be the leader God created you to be.  Live right, have good manners and be happy.  These are the marks of a Success-Minded Person and they are what will turn things around for the better.

© 2012 John Patrick Hickey