“DON’T TREAD ON ME!”
The following article comes from a book entitles, “Got a Minute?” written by Bill Smith and used by permission; I thought some of my readers might appreciate this bit of good advise.
All students of American history are acquainted with the slogan that arose during the American Revolution: “Don’t Tread On Me!” These strong words were embossed, along with a frightening likeness of a coiled snake, on the flags that were carried into battle by our gallant ancestors who gained America’s freedom from the British. I recommend this flag be possessed, and carried, by every Christian today!
When I was about ten years old, we lived next door to a family that had a father who was lazy and slothful. He would sit on the porch and dip snuff, what time he wasn’t down at the Court House to get his charity food from the county. He had a son that was about a year older than I, and much larger, and tougher. We lived about eight blocks from school and this boy would jump on me as we left school and we would fight all the way home, just about everyday. I usually ended up with a bloody nose and a dirty shirt.
One day when Dad got home from work I overheard Mom tell him that Irving was beating up on me everyday and ruining my clothes. Dad went next door and Jim was sitting there on his porch. “Jim,” Dad said, “Irving is bigger than Billy and he is hurting him and ruining his clothes, this has got to stop.” Jim grinned real big and said, “Oh, Carl, you know boys will be boys.” To which Dad replied, “Well maybe so, but the next time Irving jumps on Billy, I’m going to pull you off this porch and beat you up.” The fighting stopped!
Let me warn you. Don’t tread on me! You may be bigger than I am and you may be able to neat up on me, but remember, my Father will get you if you do! Be careful before you tell lies on me or gossip about me. Think again before you cheat me or defraud me! My Father is bigger than you, and “When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back, this I know; for God is for me.” (Psalms 56:9) So, if you are smart, you won’t try to tread on me!
