Several friends recently told me about disagreements in their different churches. Agreement seems impossible because of the anger everyone holds. More than one person said their group was trying to come up with “rules of engagement” for a discussion.

Rules of engagement? For a church meeting? What about common decency and civility?

We’ve forgotten we are neighbors. We’ve forgotten respect is a two-way street.

A wise old friend told me we’re acting like spoiled brats. He said: “Americans no longer know what made America great.”

We’ve forgotten the idea of humility. We confuse humility with humiliation. They are two completely different things. The Latin root of humility also forms the word humus — rich earth.

We’ve forgotten gratitude. We believe we deserve whatever we want.

We’re throwing away the better world our parents built.

People say: “Who cares? It’s different now.”

Shoot straight: would you rather change, or try to rebuild a country from scratch? This is the present crossroads.

I challenge every person reading this to visit the nearest Veteran’s Hospital. Introduce yourself to 30 disabled Vets. Tell them your name and where you were born. Look them in the eye and shake their hand. Thank them for their service. Then, go contemplate how your comfort came to be. Meeting men and women who paid with an arm or leg or eye or ear or some other part of their life so we could be free is guaranteed to give one an understanding of humility and gratitude.

Consider your slice of America. What would you be willing to lose an arm or leg for? What would you be willing to spend your life alone in the V.A. Hospital for?

America is slipping through our fingers — not because of Democrats or Republicans, but because of us. The better part of two generations has never served this country. I am part of that group. Not one of us has suffered just to survive like my parents’ generation did. Is it any wonder we don’t understand gratitude?

We have become a nation of slaves. The Get-More Culture applauds as millions daily polish golden chains binding them to the whining post of their own creation.

Freedom is expensive. The only thing more expensive is slavery.

Freedom must be paid for each day — with good sense, good manners, and living a meaningful life. We pay the freedom costs together, by living like grownups instead of squabbling like spoiled children. The Willing Slave’s bill comes due in full at the end of the road. Each person pays the full amount due by himself.

Consider the corny idea of how to serve your country. Thanking a disabled Vet is a way to serve. If you think I am making a political statement, or trying to drum up support for war-like causes, please reread this column carefully.

I am making a statement about personal growth.

Groups do not change and grow. Only individuals can change.

Will you save this country? It’s your country to lose.

(Editor’s Note: David Clark has released his new album “Ten.” To order send $15.00 plus $4.00 shipping to Clark CD Orders, P.O. Box 148, Cochran, GA 31014, or visit his website, www.outofthesky.com. Contact David Clark directly at dclark@outofthesky.com.).